The Office of College and Career Pathways provides leadership, support, and technical assistance to local education agencies and community colleges in the implementation of high-quality career and technical education (CTE) programs of study to prepare Maryland’s current and future workforce.
The division also leads K-12 education in financial literacy, computer science, and STEM and is responsible for early college enrollment programs such as Pathways in Technology Early College High (P-TECH) School.
Career and Technical Education (CTE) provides secondary and postsecondary students an opportunity to pursue a sequential technical and academic program of study leading to advancement in a career field. Secondary CTE programs of study, which can start in 8th grade and culminate in high school, give students the opportunity to earn college credit and/or industry credentials in a career field of interest. The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) works closely with the Governor’s Workforce Development Board to identify new programs in response to Maryland’s workforce and economic development needs and to ensure all CTE programs keep pace with industry expectations to prepare students for both college and careers.
CTE programs are designed to support students in making decisions about education and career options. Preparing for CTE begins in elementary school with career awareness learning experiences. In middle school, students participate in career exploration learning experiences such as workplace tours, job-shadows, and interest inventories. Students are required to develop an academic and career plan prior to entering high school. Plans must be updated annually. With over 60 CTE programs statewide, students can find the career pathway that will prepare them for future success.
The Blueprint for Maryland's Future requires that all high school students enroll in a diploma pathway. The College Preparatory Pathway is for academically competitive students who wish to enroll in top universities or study abroad. There are four possible diploma options on the College Preparatory Diploma Pathway.
K-12 Instructional Areas