Pathways to Success: Central High School’s Career Development Program
Central High School’s innovative career pathways program prepares students for life beyond high school by offering hands-on experiences in business, digital arts, agriculture, and supply chain management. Led by College and Career Advisor Stacy Alexander, the program aims to give students a head start in their high school graduation pursuits, whether they choose college, technical training, or direct entry into the workforce.
“The pathways program helps students understand what’s out there for them to consider as a post-secondary option,” said Alexander. “It allows them to explore fields of interest while still in high school, saving them time and money by helping them decide if a career path is right, or wrong, for them before they enter college.”
Benefits of the Pathways Program
Students at Central High can begin exploring their chosen pathway as early as freshman year. One of the program’s key benefits is its ability to clarify career interests.
"If a student enjoys a class in their pathway, he/she might discover a passion they want to pursue after graduation. And if they don't like it, they've learned that before spending money on college classes."
In addition to career exploration, the program fosters community among students with shared interests. “Taking pathway-specific classes helps students expand their friend groups, building bonds with peers who share their passion for a subject,” said Alexander.
Many of the pathways also offer industry certifications, giving students an edge in the job market. “Certifications set our students apart from potential employers, demonstrating that they have real-world skills,” she added.
Real-World Experiences
In the business pathway, students enrolled in the Business & Entrepreneurship class operate a café and merchandise store for the school. The students not only run the stores but also manage inventory and input products into the purchasing system.
Similarly, in the digital arts pathway, students design and produce custom t-shirts for the school’s faculty, staff, and sports teams. “These are real-world experiences in a safe, structured environment,” said Alexander. “They’re supervised, but they also learn accountability and professionalism.”
Student Appreciation
Students engaged in a pathway, finding a career they want to pursue, and then attending college to earn their degrees are what Central’s team considers success. Students have voiced their gratitude for the program.
Alexander works closely with school counselors and staff to ensure incoming freshmen understand their options and start early. She also supports students with tasks such as scholarship applications, FAFSA completion, and navigating their post-secondary goals.
“We have a fantastic team, and our goal is to give our students the best post-secondary experience,” said Alexander. “It’s all about helping them find their path and succeed.”
By blending education with real-world experience, Central High’s pathways program empowers students to build brighter futures.
