Return to Headlines
Graphic and Digital Design – Garinger High School
The Graphic and Digital Design pathway at Garinger High teaches
students industry-level skills for careers in graphic art and design. Following the Intro to Adobe Applications course, they can earn credentials in Adobe Visual Design (Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator) and Adobe Video Design (Adobe Premiere Pro). Garinger recently had a technology refresh for this pathway, which is in 12 schools in the district.
“I chose this pathway because it's creative, and it can lead to almost anything. The possibilities are endless. It really shows your self expression, who you are, and a certification can take you far into the real world. It does a lot for you.” – Bryant Feaster, Garinger High senior
Game Art Design – Garinger High School
Students in Garinger High’s Game Art Design begin the pathway with 3D
modeling and animation, which they use in game art design. They move from designing a game to learning backend programming, and can earn two certifications along the way – 3D Studio Max and Unity 3D Programming. This pathway introduces students to programming through gaming and can help them make choices toward becoming a coder or programmer.
“It’s really a fun course to look into if you’re interested in making designs for games and making a new type of program, or designing things on a digital scale. I want to make my own games and make my own videos to develop my own personal stuff. To try to make something big, it's definitely something that I look forward to doing in life.” – Kendrick Brown, Garinger High junior
Carpentry – Independence High School
Students in Independence High’s Carpentry start with the basics —
learning safety and how to use hand and power tools — and move their way to more hands-on projects. Students earn industry certifications including National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) and OSHA 10. Keith Olson, Carpentry pathway lead at Independence, considers the pathway as the “best kept secret in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools.” Students are empowered with the knowledge of salaries they can make post-graduation, jobs they can consider and confidence in their skills.
“I first decided to take carpentry because I wanted to learn how to cut wood, learn how to use measuring tape, etc. Now, I’ve learned that carpentry is a good trade and a pathway I want to think about for my future. My uncle did construction and I’ve helped him around the house, cutting things and helping him screw things. This course has definitely helped me a lot with my skills.” – Juan Hernandez, Independence High junior
Carpentry – Independence High School
Students in Independence High’s Carpentry start with the basics —
learning safety and how to use hand and power tools — and move their way to more hands-on projects. Students earn industry certifications including National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) and OSHA 10. Keith Olson, Carpentry pathway lead at Independence, considers the pathway as the “best kept secret in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools.” Students are empowered with the knowledge of salaries they can make post-graduation, jobs they can consider and confidence in their skills.
“I’m looking into [Carpentry] mostly for interior design. I want to be the person who draws [designs] but can also build it. I like learning how to do things the right way, because you might think cutting wood and measuring stuff is easy, but it isn’t. Once you start classes and work on it every day, it gets easier.” – Nicole Santos, Independence High junior
Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering – Palisades High School
Palisades High students in the Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering
pathway learn about manufacturing processes, product design, robotics and automation. Their first courses cover engineering design and principles, and are followed by computer integrated manufacturing. Students will have immediate opportunities in manufacturing, where jobs are increasing but there is a severe shortage of workers with the knowledge and skills to fill them.
“I was interested in coding and did a lot of coding on simple websites. Last year, we got to code a robot, build it and drive it on this track. That's what really stood out to me, and I enjoyed that. But right now, we're learning about automation and AI, and how that’s changing the world. I actually got accepted to North Carolina A&T and want to major in IT there and minor in cybersecurity.” – Kierra Jones, Palisades High senior
Architecture and Engineering – Palisades High School
The Architecture and Engineering pathway at Palisades High provides
an overview of the history of architecture, design, engineering and advanced manufacturing. The pathway integrates the latest industry standard software and advancements. Students take Drafting I and Drafting II-Honors Architecture, then move into Civil Engineering and Architecture. Autodesk certifications are available, along with internships, job shadowing, apprenticeships and portfolios.
“I chose this pathway because I like to draw and work hands on. I thought it would be great to learn more about buildings and architecture, work on the computer and create new designs. I'm still exploring it but think architecture would be a great career for me to have and I think it would be fun.” – Kalani Mogelefsky, Palisades High freshman
Biomedical Science – Ardrey Kell High School
Students in the Biomedical Science pathway at Ardrey Kell High gain
critical care knowledge through work-based learning experiences. Courses focus on health-related professions, ethics, human body systems and prevention, as well as diagnostics, medical interventions and new innovations. Certifications available within the program include CPR and First Aid.
“When I was in middle school, I kind of knew I wanted to go somewhere within the medical field. This pathway looked very hands on, and it was very collaborative as well. I knew I just wanted to develop my skills as a potential health care professional, and throughout the duration of the course, it just solidified that this is what I want to do. I'm still open to every experience, but I would say that I'm really looking at primary care or maybe oncology as a future profession.” – DeShawn Standard Jr., Ardrey Kell junior
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) – Mallard Creek High
Students in the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) pathway at Mallard Creek High are equipped to either enroll in college or enter the workforce with high-demand marketing skills. Students take Marketing, Marketing Applications, Intro to CRM and CRM I, building their skills and knowledge along the way to sit for the Salesforce Administrator certification. The pathway at Mallard Creek High is the only CRM high school curriculum in the country.
“I didn’t really know a lot about artificial intelligence before I took these classes. But now that I’m in this course, I’m learning more and more, and it’s super interesting. Customer Relationship Management gives me a look at what the future can be.”-- Jalynn Edney, Mallard Creek junior
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) – Mallard Creek High School
Students in the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) pathway at Mallard Creek High are equipped to either enroll in college or enter the workforce with high-demand marketing skills. Students take Marketing, Marketing Applications, Intro to CRM and CRM I, building their skills and knowledge along the way to sit for the Salesforce Administrator certification. The pathway at Mallard Creek High is the only CRM high school curriculum in the country.
“I like the interactiveness of it all when you do an activity. [The modules] give you explicit instructions that you follow, like coding classes I’ve taken, which makes it easy to understand. After I graduate, I’m going for a business degree in music production.The CRM pathway helped me understand business in general, certain terms and how businesses function.” — Marilyn Scott, Mallard Creek junior
Discover more programing like this at: https://discovercte.com/
