Career & Technical Education Parent and Student Guidebook

About the Program

Welcome to the Troy School District's Career and Technical Education (CTE) Program guide. In today’s rapidly evolving world, preparing students for success requires more than traditional academics—it calls for a dynamic approach that bridges classroom learning with real-world applications. Our CTE programs equip students with the skills, knowledge, and experiences they need to thrive in the workforce or continue their education after graduation.

CTE is a cornerstone of the Troy School District’s broader Career Readiness Program, dedicated to empowering students to explore their interests, develop in-demand skills, and chart a meaningful path for their futures. By integrating career exploration, hands-on learning, and collaboration with local industries, our programs provide students with a unique opportunity to connect their education to their aspirations.

Whether students are considering a career in education, information technology, manufacturing, engineering, business, or hospitality, our CTE offerings provide a wide range of pathways tailored to diverse interests and goals. These programs prepare students for immediate employment or post-secondary education while fostering essential skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and adaptability.

Why Career & Technical Education?

Career and Technical Education (CTE) is an innovative approach to learning that combines academic instruction with hands-on, real-world experiences to prepare students for success in college, careers, and life. CTE programs focus on providing students with the knowledge and skills they need to excel in specific industries or fields while also fostering essential 21st-century skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, communication, and adaptability.

Components of a CTE Program

• Classroom Instruction: Integration of academic and technical skills to support core knowledge needs. Focused instruction, reinforcement, and additional depth on academic concepts that support technical skills.
• Laboratory Learning: Hands-on learning to develop technical skills through simulation labs, project-based learning, and student skill demonstration.
• Work-Based Learning: Opportunities to further develop and apply skills through sustained interactions with employers in real workplace settings.
• Student Leadership: Leadership opportunities to support employability and Career Ready Practices, including participation in Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSO).

CTE empowers students to explore their passions, understand their strengths, and take meaningful steps toward their future goals. By connecting education to the world of work, CTE ensures that students graduate with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities they need to succeed.

Who Should Enroll?

CTE courses are for all students who want to explore interests, gain skills, and prepare for their future—including college and career. Troy School District offers over 12 programs housed within its comprehensive high schools.

Benefits of CTE Courses

• Career Explorers: Discover potential career paths through hands-on experiences.
• College-Bound Students: Earn college credits and industry certifications to get a head start.
• Workforce-Ready Students: Gain the technical skills and credentials for high-demand jobs.
• Hands-On Learners: Learn by doing in real-world, project-based settings.
• Leadership Seekers: Develop teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills.

CTE empowers students with practical knowledge, career insights, and the tools to succeed.

CTE Pathways

• Business (BAMO)
  • Leadership Opportunities: DECA or BPA
  • Credentials Offered: Certiport Entrepreneurship and Small Business or Communication Skills for Business
  • Grade Level: 9-12
• Finance & Accounting
  • Leadership Opportunities: DECA or BPA
  • Credentials Offered: Certiport Intuit QuickBooks Certified User or MOS Specialist
  • Grade Level: 9-12
• Marketing
  • Leadership Opportunities: DECA or BPA
  • Credentials Offered: Certiport Communication Skills for Business
  • Grade Level: 9-12
• Computer Programming
  • Leadership Opportunities: Embedded opportunities throughout the school year
  • Credentials Offered: AP Computer Science A Java
  • Grade Level: 9-12
• Cybersecurity
  • Leadership Opportunities: Embedded opportunities throughout the school year
  • Credentials Offered: IT Fundamentals Pro
  • Grade Level: 9-12
• Education
  • Leadership Opportunities: Embedded opportunities throughout the school year
  • Credentials Offered: Child Development Associate (CDA)
  • Grade Level: 9-12
• Architecture
  • Leadership Opportunities: MITES
  • Credentials Offered: Autodesk Certified or SACA
  • Grade Level: 9-12
• Mechanical Drafting (Woodworking)
  • Leadership Opportunities: MITES
  • Credentials Offered: Autodesk Certified or SACA
  • Grade Level: 9-12
• Mechatronics and Engineering
  • Leadership Opportunities: Embedded opportunities throughout the school year
  • Credentials Offered: SACA
  • Grade Level: 9-12
• Automotive Technology
  • Leadership Opportunities: Embedded opportunities throughout the school year
  • Credentials Offered: Michigan Mechanics Test
  • Grade Level: 9-12
• Culinary Arts
  • Leadership Opportunities: Embedded opportunities throughout the school year
  • Credentials Offered: ServSafe Handler, ServSafe Manager, and Pro-Start Certificate of Achievement
  • Grade Level: 9-12
• Radio & Broadcasting Technology
  • Leadership Opportunities: Embedded opportunities throughout the school year
  • Credentials Offered: TBD
  • Grade Level: 11-12

Refer to the course description guide for more information, including course summaries, numbers, and sequencing.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: What CTE programs does TSD offer within its comprehensive high schools (Troy High School and Athens High School)?

  A: TSD provides a diverse range of Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways, including Engineering, Culinary Arts, Marketing, Business, Automotive Technology, and more. Please refer to the course description book for more information.

• Q: How do students enroll in a CTE course or program?

  A: Students can sign up to take CTE courses during regular scheduling time. If students have questions, they may reach out to their counselor at any time for assistance.

• Q: Who should take CTE courses or complete a CTE program?

  A: CTE programs benefit all students, whether they plan to enter the workforce directly, attend a trade school, or pursue a four-year college degree.

• Q: Can students earn college credit in CTE programs?

  A: Yes, many CTE programs have articulation agreements with colleges, allowing students to earn college credits while in high school. For more information, please speak to the CTE program instructor.

• Q: What is the difference between signing up for an elective and completing a CTE Program?

  A: CTE is for all students, whether they know exactly what they want to pursue after graduation or are still exploring their passions. Students can "dabble" by trying out a course or commit to completing a full program. Completing a program demonstrates passion, determination, and leadership to college admissions or employers.

• Q: I keep seeing the word "completer." What exactly does that mean?

  A: A completer is a student who takes all courses of a program covering all competencies identified by the state of Michigan. Benefits include earning business and industry-recognized credentials, expanded leadership opportunities, and a focus on employability skills.

• Q: Which MMC Credit requirements may be replaced with a CTE program WITHOUT a personal curriculum?

  A: CTE program completers may replace the following credits without a personal curriculum: 1 credit World Language or 1 credit Science.

• Q: Which CTE courses count as a senior related math credit?

  A: The following courses can be taken as a senior related math credit:

  • Financial Accounting 1 and 2
  • Architectural Drawing 1 and 2
  • Automotive Technology 1-4
  • Commercial Baking, Commercial Foods, and Restaurant Operations/Terrace Café
  • Building Wealth and Invest