Pathways Built to Fit: Baltimore City Public Schools

Preparing Students for Their Now and Their Next

Baltimore City Public Schools in Baltimore, Maryland, is preparing students for college, career, and life through a Career and Technical Education (CTE) program built around student choice. Students can complete a four-course sequence in their profession of interest, graduating with both a high school diploma and an industry-recognized certification, a combination that the district ties to higher earning potential and stronger college and job applications.

Pathways span nine areas of study, from arts, media, and communication to health and biosciences, construction and development, information technology, transportation technologies, and more. Because schools across the district offer different pathways, students can tailor their experience based on where they attend and their interests. Career pathways give them the clarity and direction to build real foundational knowledge in an industry, while state-of-the-art labs, simulated work environments, and connections with industry professionals turn that knowledge into practice.

Students, teachers, and counselors across City Schools point to hands-on experience as CTE's strongest asset. Students don't just study careers; they get to experience life before they're out of school. Work-based learning and mentorships instill communication and teamwork. And the plethora of experiences available across the district builds the exposure, competitiveness, and perspective students need to become global citizens, while helping them shape and motivate their own plan.