Career Pathways

Career Pathways at Saint Paul Public Schools gives students the opportunity to explore high-wage and in-demand careers through college and career curriculum, personal learning plans, stackable credentials, certifications, and work experiences.

Students can explore pathways in each of the four SPPS Career Fields: Science & Medical, Human Services, Innovative & Emerging Technologies, and Business & Communications at Central, Como Park, Harding, Highland Park, Humboldt, Johnson and Washington with specific offerings at OWL and Creative magnet schools, AGAPE, LEAP, Online SPPS, and Gordon Parks.
School Career Pathways Flyers found here

Students from all SPPS high schools are eligible to apply to the Districtwide Career Pathways Programs below!

Interested in Partnering with us? Click here to explore the possibilities!

SPPS Career Pathways Highlights

Districtwide Career Pathways Programs

Emergency Medical Responder (EMR)

Be the First to Help: Launch Your Career as an Emergency Medical Responder!

Whether you're looking to advance toward becoming an EMT or paramedic or want to make an immediate impact in your community, the EMR program is the perfect place to start your journey.

Course Details
What to Expect?

Course Details

What to Expect?

Entry-Level Emergency Medical Training designed to provide you with the critical knowledge and hands-on skills needed to manage patient care at the scene of a medical or trauma emergency.

Preparation for Minnesota State Certification through the Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board (EMSRB). Successful completion of this course verifies your competency to take the Minnesota State EMR Registry test.

A Foundation for Life-Saving Careers that provides the essential "front-line" experience required to advance into EMT or Paramedic programs, or to begin serving your community in fire departments, law enforcement, or specialized emergency response units.

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Launch Your Medical Career with CNA Certification!
Are you ready to take the first step toward a rewarding career in healthcare? Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) opens the door to countless opportunities, whether you want to gain experience for future medical programs or jump right into caring for patients in a variety of settings.

Whether you're looking to advance in your medical career or make an impact in healthcare right away, the CNA program is the perfect place to begin.

Course Details
What to Expect?

Course Details

St. Kate's Certified Nursing Assistant

Time: 1:00-2:30pm Fall and Spring Semesters, Mondays-Thursdays + some additional practical hours
Transportation: Yellow School Bussing from home high school, Metro Transit for return
Credits: 5 College Credits (11-12 grades)

Must have a minimum of 3.0 GPA, good attendance and have successfully completed a prior advanced course (PSEO, IB, AP, Concurrent, PLTW)

What to Expect?

75 Hours of State-Approved Training designed to give you the hands-on skills and knowledge needed for success.

Preparation for the Minnesota Nursing Assistant Competency Exam, which is required to be placed on the Minnesota Nursing Assistant Registry.

Valuable Experience that can help you qualify for advanced programs or start working right away in hospitals, nursing homes, or clinics.

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

Ready to make an impact in your community?
Join us for a hands-on EMT training course in partnership with the Saint Paul Fire Department. This program prepares you for entry-level Emergency Medical Technician positions with top employers, including ambulance services, emergency rooms, police departments, fire departments, and more!

Course Details
What to Expect?

Course Details

Century College: Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) with St. Paul Fire Department

Time: 1:00-4:00pm Spring Semester, Monday-Friday + some additional practical hours
Transportation: Yellow School Bussing from home high school, Metro Transit for return
Credits: 9 college credits (11-12 grades)

Must have a minimum of 2.5 GPA & have successfully completed a prior advanced course (PSEO, IB, AP, Concurrent, PLTW)

What to Expect?

Automotive Service Technician

Jumpstart Your Career in Automotive Technology!
Do you have a passion for cars and want to turn that interest into a successful career? Saint Paul Public Schools offers an exclusive, hands-on automotive program that will give you the skills you need to thrive in the fast-paced world of automotive repair and service!

Course Details
What to Expect?

Course Details

SPPS: Automotive Maintenance Light Repair 2 T43212*

SPPS: Automotive Maintenance Light Repair 3 T43213*

Location: Global Arts Upper School (former Mechanic Arts HS)
Time: 8:30-11:00am - Monday - Friday
Transportation: Metro Transit
Credits: 6 High School Credits / Semester (10-12 grades)

SPPS: Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair 1 T43211*

Location: Global Arts Upper School (former Mechanic Arts HS)
Time: 1:00-3:30 A Days or B Days sections
Transportation: Yellow School Bussing from home high school to Auto Center, Metro Transit passes for dismissal
Credits: 4 High School Credits / Semester (9-12 grades)

What to Expect?

State-of-the-Art 14-Bay Facility: Learn in a fully equipped ASE-accredited auto shop with industry-standard tools and equipment.

Earn ASE Entry Level Certifications: Get certified while you learn, setting you up for success in the automotive field.

Internship Opportunities: Gain real-world experience through internships with local employers—boost your resume and build connections!

College Credit: You can earn articulated college credits for programs at SPC, DCTC, and Dunwoody—saving you time and money.

Education Pathway

Want a career that serves your community and guarantees professional growth? Our Education Pathway helps you maximize student achievement and success by giving you up to six free college credits, plus the critical field experience needed to launch your role as a transformative educator.

Course Details
What to Expect?

Course Details

Fall: C49001* MCTC Intro to Urban Education and Reflective Practices

Spring: MCTC Approaches to Education

Location: Online with additional Field Placements
Time: 1st Hour
Credits: 3 HS and College Credits (10-12 grades)

Central, Como, Harding, Highland, Humboldt, Johnson, and Washington offer in-person concurrent enrollment (college credit) education as well.

What to Expect?

The college-credit courses are offered district-wide in partnership with Minneapolis College (MCTC), giving students a head start on their teaching degree:

MCTC Introduction to Urban Education and Reflective Practice

College Credit: 3 Credits (Concurrent Enrollment)
This course provides high school students with perspectives on teaching in diverse schools and communities. Students will examine their own socializations and challenge personal and structural systems related to the classroom. Topics include:
- A historical survey of schooling in the U.S.
- Educational philosophies and current issues facing urban P-12 students.
- Strategies for engaging families and communities.
- Various types of reflection for professional growth.
- The class integrates critical observation and participation within the K-12 school community.

MCTC Multicultural Approaches to Education

College Credit: 3 Credits (Concurrent Enrollment)
This course directly examines how a personal understanding of race, class, gender, culture, and ability impacts instructional choices. Students will develop advanced instructional strategies by exploring their own beliefs and values, ensuring they can enhance student power, achievement, and equity from day one.

Pathway Outcomes

Upon completion of this pathway, students will have:

Earned up to 6 college credits through Minneapolis College, reducing the time and cost of an Education degree.
Developed a critical perspective on urban education history and current issues.
Gained industry reflective and observational experience within the K-12 school environment.
Established a strong foundation for pursuing a degree in education or a related field.

Internship Opportunities

Gain real-world experience through paid internships in SPPS elementary and middle schools fall and/or spring semesters.

Finishing Trades Academy

Get Ready to Jumpstart Your Career in the Trades!
Looking for a hands-on, immersive learning experience? The FTIUM Trades Program is exactly what you need to become work-ready and start your career in the trades. With 80% of the course spent on the training floor, you'll get real-world experience that mirrors a job in the FTIUM trades—from drywall to painting and everything in between.

Course Details
What to Expect?

Course Details

What to Expect?

Real-World, Hands-On Training: Learn by doing in a dirty, dusty environment—this is the real deal! You’ll gain the skills you need to work in trades like drywall, painting, and more.

Collaborative Work: Teamwork is key! You’ll work side-by-side with fellow students, learning the importance of collaboration and communication in a trade setting.

Physical Demands: Be prepared to get your hands dirty—drywall mud, paint, and all!

Work-Ready Skills: By the end of this program, you’ll be ready to hit the ground running and join the Finishing Trades or navigate into another trade area.

Operating Engineers

Can You Dig It?
Explore the Operating Engineers Pathway with Local 49.

The International Union of Operating Engineers Local 49 has partnered with Saint Paul Public Schools to offer an exciting apprenticeship readiness opportunity for students interested in equipment operation. The classroom is supplemented with Saint Paul Public Schools' Sandbox (coming soon!) that allows students to develop and perfect their heavy machine operating skills along with hands-on events with industry members.

Through this rigorous, one-year program, seniors work through 4 courses designed by the Local 49ers to explore careers in equipment operation. The courses are taught by an SPPS teacher and students have the opportunity to receive high school, articulated college, and apprenticeship credits!

Course Details
What to Expect?

Course Details

Local 49ers Operating Engineers
(Must enroll in all 4 courses)

T404571 OEPathway: Const. Exploration
T404582 OEPathway: Const. Math
T434503 OEPathway: Const. Equip.
T434514 OEPathway: Maint. & Equip.

Location: SPPS Sandbox Location
Time: Proposed 1:00-4:00pm Monday-Fridays

Transportation: Yellow School Bussing from home high school, Metro Transit for return

12 Credits (12th grade)

What to Expect?

Hands-On Training: Training events and contractor visits to gain practical experience in equipment operation. Sandbox available right in St. Paul.
Credit Toward Apprenticeship: Earn credit toward Local 49’s Apprenticeship Program based on completed courses and attended events.
Career Counseling & Guidance: Receive expert advice and guidance to help you transition into the operating engineer field and pursue apprenticeship opportunities.

Spring Internships

SPPS is teaming up with the City of Saint Paul’s Right Track Program again to offer exciting paid internship opportunities for high school students. This is your chance to gain on-the-job work experience, explore different careers, and boost your future job prospects—all while still in high school!

Learn more about Internships offered to SPPS students

Industry Certifications

Earn as You Learn is your chance to explore career interests, earn industry certifications, gain workplace skills, and boost your financial literacy—from wherever you are! Plus, you’ll earn a $100 stipend for completing the program.

Learn more about certificates available to SPPS students

Career and Technical Education (CTE)

CTE Areas

The image depicts a large indoor school with various banners and flags displayed, showcasing different educational and community-focused pathways such as Business, Education & Community Justice.

Saint Paul Public Schools supports Career and Technical Education (CTE) teachers in the areas of Agriculture, Business, Family & Consumer Science, Education, Communications & Technology, Construction, Manufacturing, Medical, Automotive/Transportation, and Work Based Learning. CTE teachers come from a variety of educational backgrounds. CTE teachers are passionate about bringing industry and career experiences to the classroom while teaching the skills necessary to support students toward their post-secondary career goals. CTE teachers are focused on equity, academic achievement, social emotional learning, career & college readiness and alignment with the Carl D. Perkins State and Federal goals.

CTE programs and courses are an integral part of SPPS Career Pathways and help lead the way to ensure pathways are relevant to our community, high-wage and in-demand and always teaching with the highest industry standard equipment.

MN CTE Levy

Minnesota Levy Reimbursement allows:

35% of CTE Licensed Teachers Salary, supplies used in CTE courses and travel is reimbursed to the district the year following reporting. Tuition paid to Colleges for CTE courses is also reimbursable at 35%
Currently, these funds are distributed back to the HS’s in the building’s general fund allocation
Teachers holding a CTE license or variance who are teaching a CTE course count for Levy reimbursement
Currently, there is funding to help non-CTE certified teachers get the license

Interested in becoming a CTE teacher?

Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs)

Evaluation Procedures

SPPS is dedicated to promoting access to career pathways and has identified the following procedure and tools to regularly evaluate promotional materials and efforts to not perpetuate any limitations based on race, color, national origin, sex or disability.

Annually, upon receival of Perkins Career and Technical Education program data, district staff in the Office of College and Career Readiness will hold two, one hour sessions to look at data of non-traditional students and opportunity gaps in the courses offered. These sessions will typically be held in October after the submittal of the Perkins-file with course data from the previous school year. The Career Pathways Supervisor will facilitate these sessions. The first session will include a data dig protocol and evaluation of what practices were successful and unsuccessful to improve disproportionate enrollment in CTE courses based on race, color, national origin, sex or disability. The second session will be to plan for new promotional materials and engagement opportunities that would encourage non-traditional students to enroll in CTE courses connected to high wage and in-demand careers in our Saint Paul community.

In order to regularly evaluate these practices, the same team will add enrollment to their team meeting agenda once a quarter to monitor any disproportionate enrollment and take steps to encourage nontraditional participation and equity with respect to race, sex, and disability.