• CTE

    TRY IT. CHOOSE IT. OWN IT.

    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.

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  • Have You CTE?

    Discover how our students discover their passion and create their futures.
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  • Hands-On Learning

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

    Inclusive Opportunities

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

    Proven Success

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

  • Explore Our Programs

    With programs at all 11 high schools, there's something for every student whether career- or college-bound.
  • Students examines a model of a building

    Architecture

    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 playing an electronic keyboard

    Audio Engineering

    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

    Students looking under the hood of an automobile

    Automotive

    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 at a hotel reception desk

    Business Management

    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 sitting on bleachers

    Business/Marketing

    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

    Students using a computer and small robotic arm

    Computer Science

    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 using a level on construction materials

    Construction Technology

    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

    Student spaying an ink and wash station

    Design/Applied Arts

    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 holding up screen print shirts

    Digital Media

    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

    A teenage student mentoring a younger child

    Education Prep

    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

    Electric Technologies

    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

    Male student working on small electronics

    Engineering Technology

    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

    Students in lab coats practicing taking blood

    Health Science

    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

    Student in a kitchen standing behind a fancy dessert

    Hospitality & Culinary Arts

    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

    Student controlling a large robotic arm

    Manufacturing Technology

    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

    Soundboard in a music studio being operating by a hand

    Media Studies/Mass Communication

    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 practicing choir

    Multi-Media/Theatre Arts

    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 in the woods looking up in awe

    Natural Resources

    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

    Soundboard in a music studio being operating by a hand

    Radio Broadcasting

    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 harvesting herbs

    Sustainable Agriculture

    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 in a TV studio. One operating the camera for the other in front.

    Video Production

    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
  • CTE - Have You - Graphic

    Discover Your Moment.

    Steps to Enroll.

    • 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.

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