Career And College Prep

What is Career and College Prep?

Are you a 6th–12th grader looking to get a jump-start on your future? You can use your high school years to figure out where you want to go and how to get there. In addition to core courses, you’ll take career-focused classes to explore your options and find your passion—all while earning your high school diploma. Discovering what you want to do now can prepare you to dive into a career right out of high school or help you make the right decision about your college major.

Career Fields

Take career-focused electives in the high-demand pathway of your choice:


Student Success Coaching

TOPS high school students can meet with Success Coaches to get advice on creating résumés, networking, interviewing, financial aid, college preparation, internships, and more! These virtual sessions are free to students at K12-powered schools.

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You can also:

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Participate in career clubs

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Gain workplace skills

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Prepare to take industry-recognized certification exams upon graduation*

Job Shadow Week

K12 teamed up with businesses nationwide to allow students to explore different industry sectors while discovering their passions. Watch as students experience Job Shadow Week.

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Career Clubs

CAVA students can enroll in career clubs, also called career technical service organizations (CTSOs). CTSOs allow students with similar career interests to connect, practice professional skills, work on service projects, take field trips, and compete against other local, state, and national schools. CAVA offers these career clubs:

SkillsUSA

With curriculum that covers 130 job categories and more than 600 national partners—businesses, trade associations, and unions — SkillsUSA gives students the opportunity to:

  • Practically apply what they learn in the classroom
  • Take courses in addition to those offered by the CAVA course catalog
  • Participate in academic competitions and community service activities
  • Connect with like-minded students who have similar career and academic interests
  • Earn scholarships offered exclusively through SkillsUSA
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* Many Microsoft®️ Office certificates can be earned after completing one course. Other certificates require more classes to be better prepared, and students who participate in the program for at least two years will have further preparation for certification testing.