Career Technical Education Program (CTE)

Explore careers, build practical skills, and gain confidence

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What Is the CTE Program?

Summit’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) program is part of a broader career technical education system in Oregon, designed to help high school students explore real-world career paths while earning high school credits toward graduation.

While fulfilling your required elective or elective requirement, you build practical skills and career awareness when you choose courses in digital arts, business, healthcare, or information technology. The program is flexible and built into your schedule, with guidance from a Summit advisor to choose the right pathway and pace.

A group of people stands by a whiteboard. One woman writes on the board while others, including an older woman and two young adults, look on attentively, appearing engaged in discussion or learning.

Why Take CTE Courses?

High school is one of the best times to explore what comes next. Career exploration gives students a head start by turning interests into real-world skills and helping them make more confident decisions about their future.

Instead of waiting until after graduation to make plans for their future, students can gain exposure to potential career paths while in high school.

By taking CTE courses, students can:

Explore careers before committing to a path.

Try out fields like Business, Digital Arts, Healthcare or Information Technology while still in high school.

R

Build real, job-ready skills.

CTE courses focus on practical, hands-on learning that translates directly into the workplace, not just theory.

Stay engaged and on track to graduate.

When students see how their learning connects to real goals, they’re more motivated, which supports stronger academic outcomes.

Keep options open after high school.

Whether a student plans to attend college, earn a certification, or go straight into a career, CTE pathways help them move forward confidently.

Make smarter financial decisions.

Students can better understand the cost of education compared to potential earnings, helping them avoid debt and choose a path that fits their goals.

Explore Career Pathways That Match Your Interests

Digital Arts (Hybrid)

Students who are creative, enjoy expressing ideas visually, and are open to feedback will feel right at home in the Digital Arts pathway. This program helps students turn their creativity into real-world skills while building confidence in their artistic voice.

Students will gain hands-on experience with Adobe tools, the industry standard used by professional digital artists. They will also have the opportunity to partner with a local screen printing business, bringing their work to life in a real-world setting.

Potential career paths include:

  • Motion Graphics Designer
  • Graphic Designer
  • Web Content Designer
  • Digital Restoration Artist
  • Industry or Set Designer

Business (Virtual)

The Business Pathway is a great fit for students who are motivated, resilient, and have an entrepreneurial mindset. Whether a student is interested in launching their own business or working within an organization, this pathway builds practical, real-world skills.

Through courses in marketing, finance, and more, students develop problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and confidence they can carry into any future path.

Potential career paths include:

  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Human Resources
  • Finance and Accounting

Healthcare (Virtual)

Healthcare is one of the fastest-growing career fields, and this pathway gives students a chance to explore it early while building a strong foundation for what comes next. It’s a great fit for students who are compassionate, curious, and motivated to make a difference in people’s lives.

Students will strengthen their critical thinking, communication, and teamwork skills (qualities that are essential in healthcare careers). While some roles may require additional education after high school, this pathway helps students feel confident in pursuing their next steps.

Potential career paths include:

  • Home Health Aide
  • Medical Assistant
  • Radiologic Technologist
  • Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
  • Dental Assistant

Information Technology (Virtual)

The Information Technology pathway is ideal for students who enjoy problem-solving, working with technology, and exploring how systems work behind the scenes. This pathway introduces students to in-demand tech skills and opens the door to a wide range of entry-level opportunities at tech companies.

Many careers in IT offer strong growth potential, allowing students to build experience and advance quickly once they enter the field.

Potential career paths include:

  • Systems Administrator
  • IT Project Coordinator
  • Desktop Support Technician
  • Cybersecurity Specialist

Flexible Learning that Fits Your Path

While Summit offers an online CTE program, we continue to create in-person experiences to enhance pathways, creating an optimal balance between learning from home and staying connected to your goals.

  • Open to all high school students

  • No prerequisites or capacity limits

  • Courses can be taken in any term

  • Built into graduation requirements as “Required Electives”

Earn Credits and a Certificate

Each CTE program includes three required elective credits that count toward your Oregon high school graduation requirements. The timeline depends on your program, but the outcome is the same.

Virtual Academy Students

For Virtual Academy students, you can complete your CTE credits in up to six terms, or two years.

*All CTE programs will earn you a certificate from Summit Learning Charter upon graduation.  The  Digital Arts Program is certified by the Oregon Department of Education, meaning you’ll earn an industry-recognized certificate upon completion.

Early College Students

For Early College students, you can complete your CTE credits in up to three terms, or one year.

Testimonials from Real Parents and Students

"SLC was a great school for me and I liked the flexibility. It had all the flexibility of an online school while still offering in-person classes, tutoring, and study hall for high schoolers. I really liked all my teachers there, they were always helpful, understanding, and they leave good feedback on assignments. If you are considering the online school route I would choose this school over connections or k-12 because it's smaller and more personal, and you get to meet with your classmates and go to in-person classes while still having mostly online work. (you can do everything online though if you want so don't worry) They also have events and free tutoring for all the subjects."

Student

Virtual Academy
"I have a child in jr high and a child in high school. Both kids like the flexibility of classes and the enthusiasm their teachers bring to classes (both in person and virtually). They like how the school is pretty low-drama and focused on learning in fun ways. We’re super satisfied with our choice to attend Summit Learning Charter."

Parent

Virtual Academy
"The Summit teachers and staff have been incredible to work with. They have been solutions oriented and supportive as my son as explored options for studying abroad next year."

Parent

Virtual Academy
"I did most of middle school and all of high school at Summit Learning Charter. I enjoyed the oppourtunity to do early college at Mt. Hood Community College the most. I also made my dearest friend there. It was better than public school from what I've heard."

Student

Virtual Academy

Frequently
Asked Questions

Still have questions?
Feel free to contact us directly.

Who can participate in the CTE program?

All Summit high school students can participate. There are no minimum requirements or prerequisites to get started.

Is the CTE program a separate application?

No. Apply to Summit Learning Charter as usual. Once enrolled, you can work with your advisor to choose a CTE pathway.

Is this a full-time program?

No. CTE pathways are part of your regular coursework. They count toward required elective credits, so you can stay on track for graduation without adding extra classes.

How long does it take to complete a pathway?

Most students complete a pathway over 1 to 2 years, depending on their program and pace.

  • Virtual Academy students may take up to 6 terms.
  • Early College students may complete it in up to 3 terms.

Can I start at any time?

Yes. You can begin CTE courses in any term and build your pathway over time with support from your advisor.

Are there any limits on enrollment?

Currently, no. Waitlists into pathways could be implemented in the future as interest continues to grow.

What do you earn after completing a pathway?

Students earn a certificate from Summit Learning Charter when you graduate. The Digital Arts Program is certified by the Oregon Department of Education, offering an industry-recognized credential.

What career pathways are available?

You can choose from four pathways: Business, Digital Arts, Healthcare, and Information Technology.

How does this help me after high school?

CTE pathways help you explore career interests, build practical skills, and gain confidence in your next steps. Summit also supports students in connecting with community college programs and other continuing education opportunities aligned with their pathway.

How is this different from traditional vocational education in Oregon?

Summit’s CTE pathways offer a more flexible, student-centered approach, allowing you to explore career interests while staying on track for graduation in an online or hybrid environment.

Take the Next Step

Already enrolled at Summit?

Connect with your advisor to explore our career and technical programs and build a plan that fits your goals.

New to Summit?

Enroll today and get started with a flexible, supportive high school experience with career-focused opportunities.

Have questions?

Reach out to our team to learn more about pathways, options, and what the right next step looks like for you.

Let’s Build a Bright Future Together

Summit Learning Charter’s Virtual Academy is a community that supports personalized learning and real-world connections. Ready to take the first step? Let’s make this the year your student discovers their full potential.

Apply Today