Career and Technical Education

Career Technical Education (CTE) provides middle school, high school, postsecondary and adult learners with the knowledge and skills they need to be prepared for successful careers. Learners enrolled in CTE programs progress along a pathway of specific academic and technical courses. Programs of study are organized by career clusters, which include distinct groupings of occupations and industries based on required knowledge and skills. Leadership and interpersonal skill development are enhanced through Career Technical Student Organizations like DECA, FCCLA, TSA, SkillsUSA, and more. Students often have the opportunity to participate in internships, engage with employers, apply what they learn through hands-on projects, and earn college credit.

Career and Technical Education Data

The Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 was designed to improve and expand services for students enrolled in CTE programs. Career and Technical Education (CTE) reports have been added to KSDE’s Data Central and can be viewed at the link below. Various reports such as the Four-Year Graduation Rate Report and the Academic Proficiency in Reading/Language Arts Report are available.

Career Technical Education Reports

A Course for Your Future

There are many possibilities for your life after high school and lots of questions to consider along the way. What path is right for me? What do I stand to gain? What are my funding options for school? This interactive mini-course provides information and tools to help you answer these questions and more! Through three lessons you’ll explore your options, budget for your future, and evaluate the plan that’s right for you. Get started on your way to investing in what’s next!

View the Invest in What's Next website

Options for Earning Dual Credit

College Now

You can enroll in selected courses taught by approved teachers at Olathe high schools. The College Now instructors use the same course outline and syllabus as the courses taught on the college campus. You earn high school credit and college credit in the same class. These courses appear on your college transcript and are likely transferrable to other postsecondary institutions. Students need to apply for admissions to the selected postsecondary institution. Courses may be used for degree programs at the selected institution or transferred to another college or university. Check with your transfer school prior to enrollment to make sure the credits will transfer as desired. The grade earned will appear on the college transcript with a letter grade. Tuition rates are based on cost per credit hour for the selected institution.

Visit Johnson County Community College's College Now website

Excel in CTE

Through partnerships with postsecondary leaders, Olathe Public Schools is able to offer students dynamic opportunities to earn college credit tuition free through Excel in CTE (formerly known as Senate Bill 155). The bill authorizes colleges to waive the cost of tuition for high school students who enroll in any tiered CTE course. The free college tuition applies to any and all technical courses in approved programs at public community and technical colleges. Students need to apply for admissions to the selected postsecondary institution. Courses may be used for degree programs at the selected institution or transferred to another college or university. Check with your transfer school prior to enrollment to make sure the credits will transfer as desired. The grade earned will appear on the college transcript with a letter grade.

Visit the JCCC Excel in CTE website

Articulated/Advanced Standing Credit

Students can take Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses in high school that can be articulated to college credit which will be used toward an associate's degree at partnering postsecondary institutions. Classes ranging from business, to health, to transportation, to the arts are available at Olathe high schools. To earn career pathway articulated credits, students will need to complete the appropriate paperwork for the selected postsecondary institution. The grade for these credits will be posted as a "P" on the official postsecondary transcript. There is no cost to students for these credits.

Johnson County Community College Partnership

Olathe Public Schools partners with Johnson County Community College to develop many articulation agreements. For more information on JCCC Articulated Credit, including eligible classes and how to receive credit, visit the JCCC webpage on career pathways.

Statewide Partners

Articulation Agreements are created to enable Kansas High School Graduates to have a smooth transition from their high school Career and Technical Education Pathway to the corresponding Occupational Program at the postsecondary level. Any Kansas high school graduate who meets the requirements of an articulation agreement may utilize the agreement to obtain college credit, scholarships, tuition waivers, or other benefits as stated in each agreement.

Statewide Articulation Agreements

Kansas CTE Scholars Program

The Kansas CTE Scholar initiative is an opportunity to recognize well-rounded outstanding Career and Technical Education (CTE) students finishing their senior year of high school.

Criteria

All four criteria are required to earn the Kansas CTE Scholar achievement. Students should complete the application as specified in the CTE Scholar Guidebook.

Please reference the Kansas CTE Scholar Guidance document for detailed descriptions for each criteria. The 2026 CTE Scholar Guidance document can be found on the KSDE website on the CTE Achievements and Recognition page

For additional information about KS CTE Scholars, please contact the district CTE Coordinator Barbra Gonzales or your high school Career Pathways Counselor.

Must be a graduating senior with the required number of CTE credits and GPA requirement.
Technical Skill Attainment: A minimum of one of the technical skill attainment options must be earned and verified as defined in the Kansas CTE Scholar Guidance document
Civic Engagement OR Outstanding Community Service.

Presidential Scholars in CTE

The Presidential Scholars Program recognizes and honors high school seniors who have demonstrated high achievement academically or in the arts; some having to overcome special challenges or hurdles to do so. Starting in 2016, outstanding students who demonstrated excellence in career and technical education were included for Presidential Scholar recognition. Each high school may nominate two Presidential Scholars in CTE each school year.

For more information about the program, please visit the Kansas State Department of Education webpage about Presidential Scholars.

For additional information on the program and awards, please visit the U.S. Department of Education – U.S. Presidential Scholars program webpage.

Work-Based Learning (WBL)

Work-Based Learning (WBL) includes a continuum of awareness, exploration and preparation that combines an individual’s career goals, structured learning and authentic work experiences implemented through a sustained partnership with Kansas business/industry. WBL activities with industry or community professionals culminate in a validation and measurement of acquired knowledge, skills and possible employment.

WBL in Kansas is organized along a continuum of experiences that offer students varying levels of exposure to career awareness, exploration and specific preparation activities. Before completing the Kansas WBL: Personalized Learning Plan (PLP), all stakeholders should determine which WBL experience the student will have.

KSDE Kansas Work-Based Learning: Personalized Learning Plan (PDF)

KSDE: Measuring and Reflecting Student Learning: Work-Based Experience Portfolio and Employability Skills Rubric (PDF)

Preparing Students for Learning and Work

Work-based learning sets Olathe Career Pathways apart by offering hands-on experiences that allow students to explore careers, build essential skills, and develop professional networks. These real-world opportunities empower each learner to pursue success in the career path of their choice. Through our Work-Based Learning (WBL) opportunities, we are preparing students — and the broader community — to thrive in an increasingly complex, connected, and rapidly evolving world.

Employers Play an Essential Role

A thriving regional economy depends on a strong pipeline of diverse, skilled talent — and Kansas City employers are key partners in making that a reality. By providing students with access to real-world experiences, employers help them understand how their interests, aptitudes, and skills connect to local career opportunities. There are many ways for employers to engage in Work-Based Learning, from offering hands-on, authentic problem-solving experiences to connecting students with professional insights and resources.

Partner with Olathe Career Pathways

We welcome business involvement through a variety of opportunities including:

If your organization is interested in supporting the future workforce, please complete our contact form to explore how you can become a valued partner.

Serving on an advisory board
Speaking as a guest in classrooms
Hosting facility tours
Offering job shadowing or internship experiences

Internship and Job Shadowing

Internships and job shadowing experiences will help connect technical skill development at the application level to authentic industry-related experiences for the individual student learner across all fields and pathways. The goal for every Olathe School District student is to use their secondary experiences to further define their post-secondary plans. Through involvement in one of Olathe’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) Pathways, Olathe Advanced Technical Center advanced technical programs, Career Pathways, visual arts or performing arts programs, we offer to qualified seniors a capstone Work Based Learning (WBL) experience to explore career options in their field of interest, enhance skill development, and gain industry knowledge. Students will strengthen their knowledge of the job search process including developing a resume, cover letter, LinkedIn profile and networking and interview skills further enhancing their professional skills necessary for success in the workplace.

Who May Participate

Second semester juniors or first semester seniors in any CTE Pathway, Two-Year Academy program or academy who would like potential placement in a WBL experience during their senior year

Transportation

Students must be able to provide their own transportation to off-site locations.

Hours students can work

During the students designated internship/capstone class time, typically offered hours 1-2 or 6-7.
Arrangements can be made for after school or weekend hours.

Paid or Unpaid Internships

This is dependent on the internship placement site if they are willing to offer a paid experience.

What roles can students perform while at a placement facility?

If necessary, they can go through training a new employee would do.
Perform responsibilities other employees would do.
Assign to a team where their skill set can be used.
Acquire certifications that full time employees do.

Next Steps

Read the WBL Student Handbook
Search for internship experience postings on Jobready WBL or network and make personal connection with business partner.
Apply for internship experience OR submit proposal experience in Jobready WBL.
After being placed in an internship, complete al post-placement forms and requirements

Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSO)

Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSO) integrate into Career and Technical Education programs and courses across the country. CTSOs extend teaching and learning through innovative programs, business and community partnerships and leadership experiences at the middle/high school, state and national levels. CTSOs are a powerful avenue for helping our nation address key challenges such as workforce development, student achievement, economic vitality and global competitiveness. CTSOs are authorized by the U.S. Congress in the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Improvement Act.

Learn more about our CTSOs