Career Technical Education (CTE)

 Career Technical Education (CTE) is a  program of study that involves a multiyear sequence of courses that integrates core academic knowledge with technical and occupational knowledge to provide students with a pathway to post-secondary education and careers. The CTE Pathways at Carmel USD are an excellent choice for students who are seeking a hands-on learning experience with application to real world projects and industry connections. Our CTE Pathways are aligned with the CDE CTE Model Curriculum Standards and designed to apply the technical skills that are learned in simulated or real world situations for the student to explore the career of choice.

 The CTE pathways at CUSD are designed for students to experience what it is to work in the field of choice, so courses integrate guest speakers, field trips to industry, job shadowing and internship opportunities. Students will have an opportunity to earn industry certifications that will place them ahead of their peers to obtain employment when desired. Carmel USD offers a robust catalog of options for our students in grades 6-12. We invite you to explore the Handbook  and select a pathway that sparks the interest of your student for a future career. 

During the 24-25 school year, we expanded our catalog of pathway to include a CTE Pathway of Biotechnology in the Health and Medical Technology Sector and a dual enrollment Business Pathway in the Business and Finance Sector. For this current school year 25-25, we expanded offering dual enrollment in the Graphic Design Pathway offering now Intro to Photoshop and Intro to Graphic Design. For this coming school year, we are pleased to expand again offering Biotechnology II and a Plant and Soil Science Pathway in Horticulture at Carmel Valley High School. We invite you to explore our newest edition of the Handbook to learn more about these options.

CTE Handbook 26-27 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Archived: 

CTE Handbook 25-26 

CTE Handbook 23-24

Dual Enrollment

Carmel USD has a partnership with Monterey Peninsula College to offer college courses during the school day at both of our high schools. This dual enrollment partnership is offered through the College and Career Access Pathways (CCAP) program. CCAP courses are guided by Assembly Bill 288, which grants community colleges the opportunity to partner with K-12 school districts.

The college courses meet graduation requirements and  increase college and career preparedness for student participants as they obtain college credit and high school credits. This program is free of cost to students and their families. We invite you to explore the courses offered at our high schools in the catalog below and start your college experience early. We invite you to visit the Monterey Peninsula College Dual Enrollment Programs for more information regarding the application process and FAQ. 

During the 24-25 school year, we expanded our course catalog to include Business I and Business II at Carmel High School and English IA at Carmel Valley High School.  This current school year 25-26 we are offering three new pathways: Introduction to Graphic Design/ Introduction to Photoshop, Hand Building  1A/Hand Building 1B and Introduction to  Theater/ Stage Craft.

CHS Dual enrollment Course Guide 25-26 

Parents Reviewing Student Information in College & Career Pathway Program Courses

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) and Dual Enrollment Guidance

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and Dual Enrollment Guidance is a federal law that governs access to and the confidentiality of student education records. When a high school student enrolls in a dual enrollment program, they are simultaneously part of two educational systems. The following guidelines are design to assist you understand the landscape of student records under dual enrollment. 

FERPA Guidelines for Parents 

FERPA Guidelines for Parents (Spanish)

FERPA Guidelines for Students

FERPA Guidelines for Students (Spanish)

 

Dual enrollment Contact Information

For any general dual enrollment questions at the community college: Mr. Jessie Betancourt, Director of Dual Enrollment and K-12 Partnerships at Monterey Peninsula College, jbetancourt@mpc.com

For questions regarding college student records: Office of Admissions and Records, admissions@mpc.edu , (831) 646-4002 

For a consultation regarding courses, enrollment, MPC pathways, CAL GETC requirements, MPC educational plan: Ms. Jacqueline Stratton, MPC Counselor, Jstratton@mpc.edu, Available for in person appointments at Carmel High School every Wednesday 

Dr. Ivonne Glenn, Director II College and Career Readiness at CUSD, iglenn@carmelunified.org

 

 

California State Seal of Biliteracy

What is the California State Seal of Biliteracy?

The California State Seal of Biliteracy is a recognition by the State Superintendent of Public Instruction for graduating from high school students who have attained a high level of proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing in one or more languages, in addition to English. The recognition is a golden seal that is placed on the student’s transcript or high school diploma. This is a free program for students, and it is voluntary to participate in it. CUSD is a proud participant of this initiative.

What is the purpose of the California State Seal of Biliteracy?

• Recognize high school graduates who are biliterate or multiliterate

 • Encourage pupils to study languages 

• Provide employers and colleges with a method to identify people with language and biliteracy skills 

• Strengthen intercultural relationships 

• Affirm the value of diversity and honor the multiple cultures and languages of a community

What are the advantages of having the California Seal of Biliteracy in a High School Diploma?

The State Seal of Biliteracy is a statement of accomplishment for gaining competence in two or more languages and in today’s world, it may be viewed as an asset when applying for college admission, applying for an internship or future employment. Speaking more than one language, valuing diversity and being able to work with different cultures are competitive advantages in today’s global economy. These are highly marketable skills that often command a higher salary and/or broaden opportunities at any level of your student or professional life.

Who is the  main contact  to find if a student qualifies or if the student is on track to obtain the California Seal of Biliteracy at graduation?

The main contact for this information is your high school counselor.

Who should we contact if we have additional questions?

You should contact the office of College and Career Readiness at iglenn@carmelunified.org

Frequently Asked Questions.

Visit the CDE web page FAQ

What is the eligibility criteria to obtain the California State Seal of Biliteracy?

 Seal of Biliteracy Requirements Poster

Seal of Biliteracy Requirements Flyer

Seal of Biliteracy Bookmark 

Work Experience Education

Work Experience Education (WEE) is a program where students acquire general and specific occupational skills through a combination of supervised employment in any occupational field and related classroom instruction.  The major goal of Work Experience Education is to enable students to become productive, responsible individuals through supervised employment experiences while earning high school elective credits. The program is aligned with California Department of Education guidelines and credits meet A-G requirements.

The major goals of Work Experience are:

• Recognize the process and content of the school’s curriculum are relevant to career requirements and responsibilities.

• Appreciate the importance of work to personal fulfillment and development of independence and maturity.

• Analyze career opportunities and their requirements and compare these with personal potential and expectations

• Establish positive and productive relationships between Work Experience supervisor, employers, co-workers and the community.

• Identify and participate in adult roles and responsibilities in the world of work

• Utilize and reinforce the core academic skills through the world of work. 

The participation of students in Work Experience may benefit students by increasing their sense of responsibility and self-reliance, self-image and personal pride, economic security and independence. In addition, participation in this program may be an incentive for academic effort and achievement. Additional benefits include ability to work cooperatively with others, knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for successful job performance, work habits, which meet employer expectations and awareness of training and employment opportunities.

Students may enroll in either Work Experience or CTE Work Experience at both of our campuses: Carmel High School or Carmel Valley High School. In order to participate in the program, the student must meet the following qualifications: be at least 16 years of age, be enrolled in school in grades 11th or 12th and have secured employment or an internship. See your student’s counselor to sign up. 

Work Experience Flyer 25-26 

 

 

CA College Guidance Initiative

CaliforniaColleges.edu is the State of California's official college and career planning platform. The platform allows students to take career interest inventories, personality tests, explore colleges and future careers to match their aspired lifestyle with their future careers, see in real time their 4 year high school academic plan and progress towards A-G completion.   During their senior year in high school, the platform easily connects students applications and academic records to California public Colleges and the California Student Aid Commission from one place, making the college and financial aide process and smoother. CaliforniaColleges.edu also serves as a crucial component of the California Cradle-to-Career (C2C) Data System tools for students and parents.

At Carmel USD, CaliforniaColleges.edu went live in January of 2025 and during the 25-26 school year, it will be implemented in grades 8th-12th.  Parent workshops will be offered in English and Spanish for the middle school and high school to activate accounts and learn the resources available in the website to support your son/daughter in their college and career exploration and selection.  Stay tuned for dates and times. 

CCGI Parent Account for 9-12th Grade Flyer 

CCGI Parent Account for 9-12th Grade Flyer (Spanish) 

CCGI Parent Accounts for 8th Grade Flyer

CCGI Parent Accounts for 8th Grade Flyer (Spanish) 

 

 

Carmel Career Lab

The Carmel Career Lab empowers students to prepare for success in school, work, and life through a blend of virtual courses and in-person workshops focused on employability skills.  With self-paced online modules and hands-on workshops, students gain practical, real-world skills that build confidence, enhance workplace readiness, and strengthen both college and career applications.

Virtual Employability Skills Program

The Virtual Employability Skills Program offers eleven online, self-paced courses that can be completed on the students own schedule, outside of the classroom.  After  successfully passing each course,  the student will receive a certificate of completion that may enhance your resume and college applications.

Courses offered:

• Communication Skills
• Critical Thinking
• Time Management
• Teamwork
• Interview Skills
• Written Communication
• Cybersecurity Essentials for Work
• Personal Finance Management
• Materials Management
• Human Resource Management

Click here to learn more and get started: Carmel Career Lab Flyer 25-26

Workshops

The Carmel Career Lab is offering two interactive workshops designed to help you shine.

Choose the date and location that works best for you: CHS campus during Office Hours, Zoom, or after-school at the District Office. Learn how to highlight your strengths and interview with confidence!

• Resume Building:  Learn how to organize your resume, highlight your strengths, and utilize AI to create a    polished resume for future opportunities.
• Interview Skills:  Learn how to prepare for interviews, answer common questions, and present yourself confidently.

Click here to learn more and get started: Carmel Career Workshops Flyer 25-26

 

Internships

An internship is a structured, supervised work-based learning experience that allows high school students to gain hands-on exposure in a professional setting related to their career interests. Internships connect classroom instruction to real-world application by providing students with meaningful opportunities to explore careers, apply academic and technical skills, and learn directly from industry professionals.

Through internships, students develop essential employability skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, time management, and professional responsibility. These experiences help students build confidence, strengthen their resumes, and make informed decisions about postsecondary education and career pathways. We encourage students in grades 10th-12th to apply for the following opportunities open for summer of 2026.

The District values strong partnerships with local businesses and community organizations and welcomes opportunities to collaborate in support of student learning. Businesses interested in hosting interns or partnering with the District are encouraged to contact Andrea Benveniste at abenveniste@carmelunified.org or call (831) 624-1546 ext. 2036.

Transition Resources for Diverse Learners

                                                                                     **** DRAFT MODE ****