High school electives are often dismissed as “just for fun”—a break from core subjects, a chance to explore personal interests. But what if these classes could be more than just a pleasant diversion? Imagine electives designed to provide students with not only inspiration but also the skills and direction needed to confidently enter the workforce with purpose. During a recent Real World Learning Principal Fellowship trip, we witnessed schools taking bold steps to transform electives into purposeful career pathways, unlocking new opportunities for students to prepare for meaningful futures. Here’s how schools can transform these “hobbies” into life-shaping career starters.
Align Electives with Career Clusters
One powerful way to elevate electives is to align them with existing career clusters and relevant industry needs. Instead of (or in addition to) a general art class, schools could offer courses in graphic design, digital marketing, or animation—areas rich in available certifications that point toward emerging careers and can be integrated with business and entrepreneurship skills. For example, Austin High School in Austin, Texas, offers a robust digital media pathway, including courses in graphic design and video production, directly aligned with the Arts, AV Technology, and Communication career cluster. These courses often culminate in student projects for local businesses, giving them real-world experience. By connecting electives to these career fields, students can explore their interests and gain specific skills that can lead to future job opportunities.
To further enhance this, students can engage in a Career Cluster Exploration Project, researching a chosen career cluster, identifying specific careers, and mapping out relevant high school electives, potential certifications, and post-secondary education options. They can then present their findings, solidifying their understanding and inspiring their peers. For an in-depth look at this approach, see our New Pathways Career Cluster Appendix, which outlines career clusters that schools can adapt to better prepare students for the future.
Make Learning Real with Hands-On Projects
Hands-on, project-based learning experiences make electives much more impactful. Schools can connect with local businesses or community organizations to create client-focused projects that allow students to apply what they’re learning in real-world contexts. Imagine a photography class where students develop marketing materials for local nonprofits, like the students at East High School in Denver, Colorado who partnered with the local Children’s Hospital to create a photography exhibit showcasing the hospital’s impact. Or consider a fashion design elective that partners with neighborhood boutiques, like the program at The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York City where high school students can take pre-college courses and work with industry professionals. These real-world projects not only deepen students’ learning but also equip them with a tangible portfolio of work, a valuable asset for future employers or college admissions.
A great way to facilitate this is through a Community Impact Project, where students in a relevant class (marketing, design, etc.) partner with a local non-profit to develop a marketing campaign or design materials, gaining practical experience while benefiting the community. For more examples of client-connected learning, check out our New Pathways Town Hall on Real-World Learning, where you can watch the playback to explore ideas for creating these transformative experiences.
Embed Certifications Right into the Curriculum
Integrating industry-recognized certifications into electives makes these classes even more valuable. A computer science class could help students earn certifications in coding languages like Python or Java, like the program at Ben Franklin High School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania which offers CompTIA A+ certification in their IT pathway. A digital media course might offer training in Adobe Creative Suite, as seen at Los Angeles County High School for the Arts (LACHSA) in Los Angeles, California. Certifications provide students with official credentials that distinguish them in college applications and job markets. To encourage and structure this, students can undertake a Certification Challenge, working towards an industry-recognized certification through practice exams and dedicated study within their elective. This culminates in taking the actual exam, providing students with a tangible achievement and boosting their career readiness. For insights on how schools can build these new pathways, see our New Pathways Handbook, which details strategies for embedding certifications directly into high school curricula.
Foster an Entrepreneurial Spirit
In today’s gig economy, an entrepreneurial mindset is a major advantage. Schools can infuse electives with entrepreneurial learning, guiding students to take ideas from concept to launch. For example, High Tech High in San Diego, California, has a strong focus on project-based learning and often incorporates entrepreneurial elements into its curriculum, encouraging students to develop and pitch business ideas. Entrepreneurship classes can cover everything from ideation and business planning to pitching ideas to local business leaders. By integrating project-based learning and inviting mentors from the entrepreneurial world, students gain both the confidence and the skills to turn their passions into viable businesses. A Mini-Business Startup project can bring this to life, with students developing a business plan and even a basic prototype, culminating in a “pitch day” to a panel of judges, mirroring real-world entrepreneurial experiences.
Blend Skills from Different Disciplines
The future of work favors those who can blend skills from various fields. Schools can meet this need by creating hybrid electives that merge technology, design, and communication. A “Digital Storytelling” course, for example, could combine creative writing, video production, and social media strategy, enabling students to develop flexibility and adaptability—two crucial skills in a rapidly evolving job market. This interdisciplinary approach is evident at The Science and Engineering Magnet at Townview in Dallas, Texas, where students in the STEM program collaborate on projects that require them to integrate knowledge and skills from multiple disciplines. An Interdisciplinary Design Challenge can further this, with students from combined classes (art, technology, English, etc.) working on a project like a “Digital Storytelling” piece, combining their skills to create a richer, more impactful final product. Within the new Career Clusters Framework from Advance CTE, Management and Entrepreneurship, Technology, and Marketing and Sales are cross-cutting sectors, meaning they should be taught with and alongside every other cluster to create future-ready business leaders.
Build a Pathway Culture in Schools
To fully transform electives into career pathways, schools need to foster a pathway culture. This means that counselors, teachers, and administrators should collaborate to guide students in selecting electives that align with their passions and career aspirations. Offering resources like career assessments and interest inventories can help students make informed decisions. When students see electives as more than a simple break from core classes, they’re more likely to take ownership of their education, viewing high school as a launchpad for their future. Schools like Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology in Lawrenceville, Georgia have implemented advisory programs where students work with counselors to develop personalized learning plans that incorporate their interests and career goals. A Career Pathway Showcase project can empower students to become advocates for this culture, creating presentations and displays about different career pathways and relevant electives, and sharing these resources with younger students and the wider school community.
Making Electives Meaningful
By transforming electives from casual hobbies into intentional career pathways, we can empower students to discover their passions, build real-world skills, and gain the confidence to pursue their dreams. The key is to design these courses thoughtfully—ensuring they’re not only enjoyable but also deeply relevant to the world students will enter after graduation. Across the country, we see the potential of these reimagined electives to serve as powerful stepping stones, enabling students to turn their high school experiences into purposeful futures.
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