Several recent developments have been reported regarding the College Board’s Career Kickstart program, which signifies the organization’s entry into career and technical education (CTE). This initiative aims to provide Advanced Placement (AP)-equivalent courses that equip high school students with skills oriented toward their future careers.
Overview of the Career Kickstart Program
The Career Kickstart program began with two pilot courses focused on cybersecurity, implemented in two high schools in San Antonio, Texas. The courses, titled AP Networking Fundamentals and AP Cybersecurity Fundamentals, span a full academic year. They are designed in accordance with established CTE standards and incorporate hands-on learning experiences intended to enhance critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
Impact of CTE Courses
Research has demonstrated that enrollment in CTE courses notably increases students’ chances of completing high school and enhances their readiness for both college and employment. Nonetheless, the Association for Career and Technical Education has reported significant shortages of CTE teachers across 28 states and territories for the 2023-24 school year.
Incentives for Students
As part of the Career Kickstart initiative, students who complete the cybersecurity courses and achieve a passing score on the associated pilot exam will receive a complimentary voucher for additional test preparation, as well as access to an industry-recognized certification exam. Cybersecurity has emerged as one of the fastest-growing job sectors in the United States, with CyberSeek reporting more than 457,000 job openings from September 2023 to August 2024.
Course Integration and Accessibility
The Career Kickstart program enables students to enroll in these new courses alongside traditional AP courses, such as AP Computer Science A or AP Computer Science Principles. While the curriculum is primarily geared towards CTE programs, it is accessible to all students, irrespective of their academic path.
Future Plans for Expansion
In future plans, the College Board intends to introduce additional pathways in various disciplines, including information technology, health science, and business, emphasizing career fields that are high-demand and high-wage without the requirement of a bachelor’s degree. A second set of cybersecurity pilots is anticipated to be launched for the 2025-26 academic year.
(Source: Higher Ed Dive)