For Parents
About Career Pathways
Career Pathways programs of study help prepare students for college and careers by combining academic learning with real-world career preparation.
High school students can:
- Graduate with higher-level skills in both academic and technical areas and earn industry certifications.
- Earn college credit through Career Pathways assessments or industry certifications.
- Build confidence, develop leadership and hone technical skills through participation in a Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) .
- Gain hands-on experience by taking part in job shadowing or internships.
- Qualify for the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship or Florida Bright Futures Gold Seal Scholarship.
Accelerated Credit
Eligible high school students enrolled in Career Pathways courses may earn college credit toward an associate or bachelor's degree. Similar to Advanced Placement and Dual Enrollment programs, this credit is awarded through successful completion of qualifying assessments or industry certifications. Assessment opportunities typically begin in September and conclude in May
Planned Sequence of Study in a Career and Technical Field
Students can use elective credits to complete a sequence of three related Career and Technical Education courses in a selected career field. Many of these programs connect directly to Santa Fe College and other post-secondary institutions. This pathway gives students opportunities to earn accelerated college credit, industry certifications, and eligibility for Florida Bright Futures scholarships.
Most Career Academy and high school Career and Technical Education programs of study articulate, or link, to college-level programs at Santa Fe College or other postsecondary institutions.
Students should follow these steps to earn college credit at Santa Fe College:
- Select a high school Career Pathways program of study based on your interests, abilities, and goals.
- Meet with your school counselor or career specialist to plan recommended courses.
- Complete the required Career and Technical course sequence at your high school with a grade of B or better.
- Enroll at Santa Fe College as a Career Pathways student and submit a signed permission form.
- Pass the industry certification exam or Career Pathways assessment.
Credits earned will be automatically added to their college transcripts through a supplemental process. If credit is earned, students will receive a letter during the summer from Santa Fe College with a copy of an unofficial transcript.
Students interested in enrolling at Santa Fe College after high school should fill out the “First Time in College” application. Visit How To Apply for more information.
Florida Bright Futures Gold Seal Scholarship
Career Pathways graduates may be eligible for this scholarship, which recognizes and rewards excellence for academic achievement and career preparation. The scholarship can be used at a Florida public university, community college, career/ technical center, and trade or business school.
For more information on requirements, award amounts and eligibility, students should see their high school counselor and check the Bright Futures Student Handbook for the Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholars Award and the Gold Seal CAPE Scholars Award.
The Santa Fe College Career Pathways program is a collaboration with area school districts and business, industry, and civic partners.
Career Academy Program
A career academy is a school-within-a-school that offers students academic programs organized around broad career themes. Academies integrate classroom instruction with work-based learning and aim to equip students with skills for both workforce entry and postsecondary education. Students have the opportunity to receive advanced credit or placement in programs at the college level.
When eighth grade students begin to create their four-year high school plans, they should discuss Career Pathways programs of study with a school counselor or career specialist.
Alachua Career Academies
Career Pathways works with the Career Academies and Alachua County Schools' Career and Technical Education (CTE) department to provide the opportunity for students to earn college credit while they are still in high school.
A Magnet Showcase and Academy Open Houses are opportunities for eighth graders and their families to learn about the different programs before applying to a career academy in the second semester.
For more information please visit Alachua County Public Schools Career and Technical Education.
Academy of Agribusiness - Hawthorne Middle/High School
Director, Michael Cassels - casselsmw@alachuaschools.net
Academy of Agriscience - Santa Fe High School
Director, Brooke Bailey - baileybv@alachuaschools.net
Academy of Automotive Technology - Professionals Academies Magnet at Loften High School
Director, Ray Shiver - shiverr@alachuaschools.net
Academy of Criminal Justice - Newberry High School
Director, Patrick Treese - treesepj@alachuaschools.net
Institute of Culinary Arts - Eastside High School*
Director, Pamela Bedford - bedfordpa@alachuaschools.net
Academy of Entrepreneurship - Buchholz High School
Director, Wendy Rosché - roschewl@alachuaschools.net
Academy of Future Teachers - Gainesville High School
Director, Katherine Martinez-Malo - martink@alachuaschools.net
Academy of Finance - Buchholz High School
Director, Michele Brothers - brothemm@alachuaschools.net
Academy of Fire and Emergency Medical Services - Professionals Academies Magnet at Loften High School
Director, Jimmy Morey - moreyjl@alachuaschools.net
Academy of Health Professions - Gainesville High School
Director, Miranda Williams - williamsml1@alachuaschools.net
Academy of Media Production Technology - Professionals Academies Magnet at Loften High School
Director, Patrick Kee - keesp@alachuaschools.net
Institute of Biotechnology - Santa Fe High School
Director, Tyler Wells - wellsta@alachuaschools.net
Academy of Gaming and Mobile Apps - Professionals Academies Magnet at Loften High School
Director, Eric Baez - baezej@alachuaschools.net
Institute of Graphic Art and Design - Professionals Academies Magnet at Loften High School
Director, Jessica Caldas - caldasjr@alachuaschools.net
Academy of Robotics and Engineering - Professionals Academies Magnet at Loften High School
Director, Rob Goddard - goddardre@alachuaschools.net
Academy of Veterinary Assisting - Santa Fe High School
Director, Brian Skipper - skipperbt@alachuaschools.net
Bradford Career Academies
The Bradford Career Academies are located on the campus of the North Florida Technical College with the exception of the Academy of Information Technology at Bradford Middle School. Career Pathways works closely with North Florida Technical College to update high school curriculum and give students the opportunity to earn college credit.
- Academy of Agriscience
- Academy of Computer Systems and Information Technology
- Academy of Digital Design
- Academy of Information Technology (at Bradford Middle School)
- Academy of Welding
- Health Science Academy
*No current Articulation with Santa Fe College