Career Connected Learning
CPS is dedicated to expanding opportunities and postsecondary readiness for all students, particularly those from historically underrepresented groups. CPS aims for every student to graduate with the equivalent of a semester’s worth of advanced course credits and/or advanced certification, positioning them for success beyond high school. CPS graduates will not only be better prepared for their future, but will also benefit from significant tuition savings. For example, CPS Class of 2024 graduates are projected to save an estimated $8 million in college tuition by earning credits through the District’s early college partnerships.
CPS’ vision is to establish a robust framework that not only supports college readiness but also extends comprehensive career preparation across various fields, from professional careers to skilled trades. This ensures all CPS graduates are well-prepared for sustained success, no matter what career pathway they choose.
Student Internships and Experiential Learning Opportunities
CPS aims to equip students with comprehensive soft-skills training, while offering opportunities to earn industry-recognized certifications, college or career endorsements, and participate in work-based and experiential learning experiences, such as team-based challenges. Career exposure activities starting in middle school prepare students to participate in advanced courses that connect to their postsecondary career plans. In SY2023, 49% of CPS students graduated with an advanced course credit or a career credential.
These initiatives help students connect classroom instruction with real-world career pathways. By applying their learning in practical settings, students can discover their interests and strengths while developing positive work habits and attitudes. Philanthropic and sponsorship support could provide stipends and transportation, making work-based learning opportunities accessible to more students.
Advanced career credentials open doors to apprenticeships and job opportunities directly from high school. They can also act as stepping stones to postsecondary education, increasing students’ persistence in their selected pathway.
Team-based challenges give students the opportunity to showcase their skills through a group problem-based learning project relating to their field of interest in competitive settings. This holistic approach prepares students for success in both academic and professional environments, fostering collaboration, leadership, and real-world problem-solving abilities.
Chicago Roadmap
The Chicago Roadmap is a partnership between CPS and City Colleges of Chicago (CCC) to support students along a seamless path to and through college on the way to their chosen careers. The Chicago Roadmap strives to dramatically and equitably increase student outcomes in college readiness, college enrollment, college persistence, college degree attainment and employment.
By enhancing access to transitional supports, model pathways, early college opportunities, and aligning work-based learning with student interests and coursework, CPS has seen significant improvements in college readiness and increased retention at CCC.
With the support of partners, CPS can further expand access to these critical resources, ensuring that even more students are equipped with the skills, credentials, and experiences necessary for long-term success. CPS can sustain this momentum, helping to bridge the gap between high school, college, and career pathways for all students.
From 2019 to 2023, eligibility for college-level Math increased by 16%, while eligibility for college-level English rose by 13%, meaning more students are prepared for advanced coursework and postsecondary success.
Skilled Trades Exposure
CPS provides students with opportunities to explore careers in architecture, STEM, engineering, construction trades, and related fields through up-close, hands-on experiences guided by industry professionals. These initiatives allow thousands of students to engage directly with many in-demand skilled trades, connect with potential employment, training, and internship opportunities, and gain exposure to rewarding career paths.
These efforts help address labor shortages while fostering economic growth and inclusivity in the trades. Philanthropic support is needed to make these opportunities possible, from marketing and logistics support to student transportation.
CPS currently offers programs in construction, carpentry, electricity, welding, and HVAC at more than 80 high schools across the city, providing students with valuable work experience for in-demand careers, and opportunities to earn college credit, certifications, and skills training.
