College & Career Pathways

Comprehensive policies that equip students for the rigors of the college classroom and the labor market. 

Our nation’s failure to educate students leaves many unprepared for the challenges they will face after high school. This failure threatens the country’s ability to thrive in a global economy.

High quality, aligned college and career pathways can empower students to learn authenticated in-demand skill sets that prepare them for growing mid- and high-wage careers. These pathways can prepare students for the careers of the future while ensuring quality, value, equity and access for all students. 

College Acceleration  

College acceleration opportunities—including Advanced Placement (AP), Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE), College-Level Examination Program (CLEP), dual enrollment, early college high schools and International Baccalaureate (IB)—can help high school students prepare for college-level work while they earn valuable college credit or work toward a postsecondary credential.  

TRANSFORMING COLLEGE ACCELERATION SUCCESS 

In 2000, few students were taking rigorous courses like Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB), especially minority and low-income students. In addition, very few students were taking the PSAT/PLAN in low-performing schools. To address this, Florida:   


Career & Technical Education 

Career and technical education (CTE) is emerging as a priority across the nation. Parents, businesses and state leaders understand the importance of creating high-quality education options today to prepare students for rewarding careers tomorrow. 

CTE offers students the opportunity to develop a strong academic foundation and valuable, real-world technical skills while they are still in high school. Students in quality CTE programs can earn valuable industry certifications and college credits while participating in internships and on-the-job training. These programs jump start students on a path to higher living wages and upward mobility.  

What They are Saying

Course Access 

Access to a high-quality education no longer needs to depend on location. Course Access uses technology and innovative policy to offer a catalog of courses to students statewide. Families can select the best courses for their children from an online catalog of in-person, online and blended learning courses. 

Florida is a nationally-recognized leader in K-12 virtual education. The Florida Online Course Catalog includes information about the 21,000 online courses offered by district virtual schools, department approved providers and Florida Virtual School – the largest state virtual school in the nation. 

Florida’s online education programs provide high quality instruction and curriculum, meeting national and state standards. The programs must also meet the state’s accountability standards for academic achievement. Visit the Florida Department of Education’s Virtual Education Statistics for additional information.