Parents and Students

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High Schools with Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs integrate rigorous academic study with workforce skills in specific career pathways. Students participate in programs that meet business and industry standards. Students receive instruction in an industry-related area and have the opportunity to graduate high school with industry-specific competencies and skills that lead to postsecondary education, further industry training and/or entry into the workforce.

CTE Programs of Study differ from industry to industry but share common elements; including:

  • Rigorous standards for graduation, reflecting 21st century competencies
  • A cohesive sequence of academic courses paired with CTE courses and integrated content as appropriate, building to both basic and enhanced competencies.
  • Specific mechanisms that connect the entire high school program to a related industry and postsecondary pathway.
  • Designed to culminate with a recognized credential or certificate and explicit postsecondary opportunities.

Currently, approximately 110,000 students are enrolled in 285 CTE programs of study and in individual CTE elective courses.  Twenty-six designated “CTE schools” enroll approximately 30,000 of these students; the remainder attend comprehensive high schools around the city including small schools, specialized high schools, schools with small learning communities. etc.

In 2001, NYSED introduced a CTE program approval process to foster high quality career and technical education programs.  Seventy-one (71) programs in New York City are currently approved by the State, and reflect elements of enhanced quality and student outcomes.  Students completing a State approved program of study are eligible for a technical endorsement on their diploma.

What is Career and Technical Education?

High-quality career and technical education equips students to meet Regents graduation standards through a contextualized program of study that links rigorous academic content with industry skills, occupational knowledge and workforce experience.  CTE programs directly align to the needs and demands of industry and equip students with the relevant competencies and skills to successfully compete in the 21st century workforce. 

Students who graduate from high school after completing a CTE Program of Study may choose to continue their education in college, go directly into the workforce in their area of concentration, or attend technical training programs, apprenticeships, or other specialty programs in their field.

There are hundreds of CTE pathways that students can choose from in NYC.  Over 65 are State Education Department approved including programs in hospitality and tourism, architecture and construction, finance, information technology, and marketing sales, and services.   Students completing a State approved program of study are eligible for a technical endorsement on their diploma.

CTE programs are delivered in several ways:  at dedicated schools, where an entire institution is dedicated to CTE related programs, and through CTE programs at comprehensive high schools.   

The Following Are CTE Designated High Schools: 

02M288  Food and Finance
02M600  Fashion Industries
02M615  Chelsea HS
02M625  Graphics & Communication Arts
02M630  Art & Design
07X600   Alfred E Smith
07X655   Samuel Gompers
08X650   Jane Addams
10X660   Grace H. Dodge
11X275   Computers & Technology
13K605   George Westinghouse
14K610   Automotive
17K600   Clara Barton
19K615   Transit Tech
19K660   William Maxwell
21K620   William E Grady
24Q600   Queens Vocational
24Q610   Aviation
27Q650   Construction Trades, Engineering & Architecture
28Q620   Thomas Edison
31R600   Ralph McKee

*NEW CTE HIGH SCHOOLS*
14K632   Frances Perkins Academy
18K617   High School for Innovation in Advertising and Media
19K618   Academy of Innovative Technology
30Q301   Academy for Careers in Television and Film
32K551   New York City Harbor School

Are there CTE Programs at other High Schools?
Yes.  Currently, approximately 110,000 students are enrolled in 282 CTE programs of study and in individual CTE elective courses in CTE schools, small schools, specialized high schools, smaller learning communities and other comprehensive high schools throughout the five boroughs of NYC. 

Click here for a list of CTE Programs of Study in NYC

  • Career and Technical Education FAQ
    These frequently asked questions were developed to provide information to parents and students, regarding Career and Technical Education (CTE).
  • New York State Department of Education CTE
    CTE information from the New York State Department of Education (SED) including policy, practices and requirements.
  • The Justice Resource Center
    Information about programs and services available to schools and students through the Justice Resource Center, the country's model urban initiative for civic and law-related education.
  • The National Academy Foundation - NYC Academies
    The National Academy Foundation (NAF) was created as a partnership between business leaders and educators to address the need to prepare students for professional careers.  Vist this site for more information about the New York City Academies and school locations.
  • Virtual Enterprises
    Pioneered in NYC high schools, the Virtual Enterprises Program (VE) offers students the opportunity to experience in a simulated business environment all facets of being an employee in a firm.  The program has drawn national attention as an applied learning instructional model for global business, economics, finances, and career education.  Visit this site for more information and sites across NYC and the country.