Career Pathways in Georgia are approved programs that consist of a series of academic and career-related courses starting in the ninth grade. These pathways can lead to various levels of education, such as an associate degree, industry-recognized certificate or licensure, or a baccalaureate degree. Students in Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) have the opportunity to choose at least three sequenced courses within a career pathway. Georgia's Career Clusters, which include 17 areas of interest, allow students to take classes tailored to their chosen cluster. The goal of this program is to show students the practicality of what they learn in the classroom, regardless of their post-high school plans. Students are exposed to potential careers early on so they can make informed decisions when they reach high school. This initiative in Georgia is based on the National Career Cluster Model.

In addition to Career Pathways, Georgia offers other pathway options for students:

• Career Pathways: A series of 3 or 4 specified courses are in a CTAE-approved pathway. Georgia’s 17 Career Cluster/Pathways provide a structure for organizing and delivering quality Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) programs. Modeled after the National Career Clusters configuration utilized by most of the United States, Georgia’s 16 Career Cluster/Pathways Model represents approximately 96 career pathways to help students navigate their way to greater success in college and careers. As an organizing tool for curriculum design and instruction, the 16 Career Clusters provide essential knowledge and skills for the student's career pathways.

• Advanced Academic Pathway: An Advanced Academic Pathway may be followed in any of these four content areas: ELA (English/Language Arts), mathematics, science, or social studies. A student has completed an Advanced Academic Pathway in ELA, mathematics, science, or social studies when the criteria described below have been met.

• Fine Arts Pathway: A Fine Arts Pathway may be followed in any of these areas of study: Music, Theatre, and Visual Arts. A student has completed a Fine Arts Pathway when three courses in one area of concentration, with at least one course being level 2 or higher, have been successfully completed.  

• World Language Pathway: A World Language Pathway may be followed in any of the world language areas included in the state list of approved courses.

The selection of a pathway is based on self-awareness and the investigation of occupations plus related educational levels aligned with the pathway. Most high-demand, high-skilled, high-wage occupations in all concentrations still require education beyond high school.

The selection of a pathway is based on self-awareness and exploration of occupations and educational levels related to that pathway. It is important to note that most high-demand, high-skilled, high-wage occupations still require education beyond high school. By planning their high school program and selecting appropriate courses, students can prepare themselves for their chosen career area and set goals for their post-secondary training.

The Griffin Spalding County School System offers career and technical education programs at all of our middle and high schools.  These programs are designed to prepare youth for a broad range of employment and further education. The following is a list of programs being offered this year, location and criteria for admission.