Career and Technical Education (CTE) at Portland Public Schools is where inspiration meets preparation. With nearly 80 hands-on, industry-aligned programs, students can explore their passions, build future-ready skills, and create their future.

Discover how our students discover their passion and create their futures. 

CTE empowers students to dive into real-world projects that bring their curriculum lessons to life through internships, job shadowing, and more.

CTE courses and programs are open to all students and offer pathways tailored to diverse interests, backgrounds, and post-secondary goals

With an 88% graduation rate among students who take at least one CTE credit, our programs help students achieve their goals.

With programs at all 11 high schools, there's something for every student whether career- or college-bound.

Agriculture 

Automotive

Audio Engineering

Students explore architectural design, drafting, and structural engineering through hands-on projects. They create technical drawings, 3D models, and blueprints while learning sustainability and urban planning. Advanced students build portfolios and use industry-standard software.

Offered at: Grant

Students gain hands-on experience in vehicle maintenance, repair, and diagnostics. They learn shop safety, mechanical fundamentals, and emerging technologies like electric vehicles. Advanced students earn manufacturer-certified training.

Offered at: Alliance, Benson

Students develop skills in recording, mixing, and sound design using industry-standard equipment. Hands-on experiences include live event audio and studio production. Advanced students refine techniques, build portfolios, and pursue industry certifications.

Offered at: Grant, Lincoln, Ida B. Wells, McDaniel, Roosevelt

Business Management

Computer Science

Business/Marketing

Students develop skills in marketing, finance, and leadership through real-world projects. They create business plans, manage budgets, and run school-based businesses. Advanced students refine leadership skills and prepare for careers in management.

Offered at: Grant, Franklin, Lincoln, Roosevelt, McDaniel

Students learn programming languages like Python, HTML/CSS, and JavaScript while developing websites, apps, and games. Advanced students work on real-world projects and prepare for careers in software development.

Offered at: Benson, Grant, Franklin, Lincoln, Ida B. Wells, McDaniel, Roosevelt

Students explore advertising, brand management, and market strategy. They develop campaigns, analyze industry trends, and apply the four P’s. Advanced students create marketing plans and prepare for careers in business and media.

Offered at: Ida B. Wells

Construction Technology

Design/Applied Arts

Digital Media

Students gain hands-on experience in woodworking, metalworking, and residential construction. They learn tool safety, blueprint reading, and structural design. Advanced students explore trades like electrical and plumbing.

Offered at: Benson, Cleveland, Franklin, Grant, Jefferson, Ida B. Wells, Lincoln, McDaniel, Roosevelt

Students explore three-dimensional design through sculpture, ceramics, woodworking, and industrial design. They build portfolios demonstrating creativity and craftsmanship. Advanced students create professional-quality projects.

Offered at: Alliance, Benson, Lincoln, Grant, Ida B. Wells, McDaniel, Roosevelt

Students engage in graphic design, animation, photography, and multimedia production. They use industry tools like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator to create branding and filmmaking projects. Advanced students build professional portfolios.

Offered at: Alliance, Benson, Cleveland, Grant, Jefferson, Lincoln, Ida B. Wells, McDaniel

Education Prep

Electric Technologies

Engineering Technology

Students explore teaching, counseling, and leadership through internships in local schools. They assist teachers, develop lesson plans, and study curriculum design. Advanced students complete practicum work and earn dual credit.

Offered at: Franklin, Ida B. Wells, Lincoln, McDaniel

Students train in wiring, circuitry, and power systems for residential and industrial electrical work. Advanced students explore motor controls, PLCs, and automation. Industry-aligned training prepares them for electrical careers.

Offered at: Benson

Students explore robotics, electronics, and aerospace through hands-on projects. They learn coding, problem-solving, and engineering design. Advanced students work on real-world challenges and build portfolio-ready projects.

Offered at: Benson, Grant, Ida B. Wells, Roosevelt, McDaniel

Health Science

Hospitality & Culinary Arts

Manufacturing Technology

Students gain hands-on training in medical skills, terminology, and patient care. They earn certifications like CPR and shadow industry professionals. Advanced students study specialized fields like biomedical science and sports medicine.

Offered at: Benson, Grant, Ida B. Wells, McDaniel, Roosevelt

Students develop skills in food preparation, baking, and menu planning. They gain hands-on experience in professional kitchens and explore global cuisines. Advanced students manage inventory and operate food businesses.

Offered at: Alliance, Cleveland, Grant, Franklin, Lincoln

Students train in metalworking, welding, and machining. They develop industry skills in blueprint reading, CNC programming, and fabrication. Advanced students complete real-world projects and earn industry certifications.

Offered at: Alliance, Franklin, Benson

Multi-Media/Theatre Arts

Media Studies/Mass Communication

Natural Resources

Students explore journalism, broadcasting, photography, and multimedia production. They create content for newspapers and digital media while learning ethical and legal responsibilities. Advanced students build portfolios.

Offered at: Cleveland, Grant, Lincoln, McDaniel, MLC, Roosevelt, Ida B. Wells

Students gain experience in theater production, acting, and stagecraft. They explore set design, lighting, and sound while working on live productions. Advanced students refine skills and prepare for careers in theater and film.

Offered at: Grant, Ida B. Wells, Roosevelt

Students explore environmental science, conservation, and sustainability through fieldwork and research. Advanced students work on real-world projects like designing remote-operated vehicles (ROVs).

Offered at: Alliance

Sustainable Agriculture

Radio Broadcasting

Video Production

Students train in radio production, announcing, and sound engineering. They operate professional equipment, develop news content, and participate in live broadcasts. Advanced students refine on-air presence and explore media careers.

Offered at: Benson

Students learn organic farming, environmental sustainability, and food production. They manage school garden plots and gain business experience through farmers' market sales. Advanced students take on leadership roles.

Offered at: McDaniel

Students gain hands-on experience in filmmaking, cinematography, and video editing. They learn the full production process and showcase work in community screenings. Advanced students create capstone projects.

Offered at: Franklin

• Learn more about what’s available at your school.
• Talk to your School Counselor about how CTE can fit into your schedule.
• Meet with a Career Coordinator about your program of interest.