Career and Professional Pathways

Lorain City Schools is committed to preparing all of its students for the rigorous demands of both college coursework and the world of work.  College and Professional Pathways offers a variety of course options for students interested in entering the world of work immediately upon graduation or in entering college at that time to further develop the workforce skills learned in high school.  Courses in College and Professional Pathways are each designed to teach students the practical knowledge, skills, and attitude necessary to function successfully on the job site and the academic knowledge and skill necessary to enter college and succeed in college classes.

For students interested in a direct path to the workforce, programs offer them the opportunity to participate in job shadowing and mentorship experiences that provide them with actual job site experiences.  Students will join organizations such as Skills-USA, Family, Career & Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), and Business Professionals of America, which make them participants in a network of high school students engaged in the same preparation.  Students willing to strive for excellence in these programs may earn professional placement in a career of their choice immediately upon graduation.

For students interested in a college education at either a two-year or four-year college or university, programs are offered as College Tech Prep.  College Tech Prep affords students the opportunity to earn full college credit while still in high school.  Such an option is possible because Lorain City Schools (LCS), Lorain County Community College (LCCC) and other colleges/universities have entered into an agreement to work together to guarantee that coursework provided in high school meets the high standards of the Associate Degree coursework at the college or university.  College credit ranges from six to fourteen hours, depending upon the program of choice.  To earn the credit, students not only complete challenging coursework, but they also enroll in college, make college visitations, observe classes, meet college faculty and administration and generally become oriented to the college experience while still in high school.

College and Professional Pathways programs are offered at our two high school campuses.  Each program in each small school will be served by an advisory committee that will monitor workforce trends, assure that the program stays current, and assists in the placement of students into the work setting or into college.

College and Professional Pathways is an option for every high school student.  Students choosing one of the available programs will gain valuable, relevant, rigorous preparation for entry into college or into the world of work upon high school graduation.  These pathways prepare our students for the rapidly changing demands of today’s workforce.

Program List