For Parents
About Career Pathways
Career Pathways programs of study are a great way to plan for college and/or a career.
High school students can:
- Graduate with higher-level skills in both academic and technical areas, and earn industry certifications.
- Earn college credit through Career Pathways Assessments or industry certifications.
- Build confidence in a Career and Technical Student Organization, a co-curricular program that develops leadership, communication and technical skills.
- Take part in a job shadowing or internship program that provides hands-on learning experiences.
- Qualify for the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship or Florida Bright Futures Gold Seal Scholarship.
Accelerated Credit
Eligible middle and high school students in Career Pathways classes may earn accelerated college credit toward an associate or bachelor's degree, similar to Advanced Placement or Dual Enrollment credit. Credit is earned based on an assessment exam or industry certification. Assessment procedures for accelerated college credit begin in February and are completed in May.
Students should follow these steps to earn college credit:
- Choose a high school Career Pathways program of study based on their interests and abilities.
- Discuss the recommended courses for their Career Pathways program of study with the school counselor or career specialist.
- Complete the sequence of career and technical courses in their program of study at their high school with a B or better (in some cases a C or better.)
- Pass the industry certification exam or Career Pathways Assessment with the required grade for articulated (linked) courses.
- Students who pass a Career Pathways Assessment or industry certification exam will be enrolled as SF supplemental students and their credits will be automatically added to their transcripts.
Most Career Academy and high school Career and Technical Education programs of study articulate, or link, to college level programs at Santa Fe College or other postsecondary institutions.
Florida Bright Futures Gold Seal Scholarship
Career Pathways graduates may be eligible for this scholarship, which recognizes and rewards excellence for academic achievement and career preparation. The scholarship can be used at a Florida public university, community college, career/ technical center, and trade or business school.
For more information on requirements, award amounts and eligibility, students should see their high school guidance counselor and check the Bright Futures Student Handbook for the Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholars Award and the Gold Seal CAPE Scholars Award.
The SF Career Pathways program is a collaborative effort between Santa Fe College, Alachua and Bradford County School Districts and Business, Industry, and Civic Partners.
Who Qualifies
A student qualifies as a Career Pathways student if they are enrolled in one of these three academic pathways:
Career Academy Program
A career academy is a school-within-a-school that offers students academic programs organized around broad career themes. Academies integrate classroom instruction with work-based learning and aim to equip students with skills for both workforce entry and postsecondary education. Students have the opportunity to receive advanced credit or placement in programs at the college level.
When eighth grade students begin to create their four-year high school plans, they should discuss Career Pathways programs of study with a school counselor or career specialist. A Career Academy Forum night and academy Open Houses are opportunities for eighth graders and their families to learn about the different programs before applying to a career academy in the second semester.
Career Pathways works with the Career Academies and Alachua County Schools' Career and Technical Education (CTE) department to provide the opportunity for students to earn college credit while they are still in high school. For more information please visit Alachua County Public Schools Career and Technical Education.
Academy of Agriscience - Santa Fe High School*
Co-Directors, Brian Skipper, Brooke Vaughn 386-462-1125 - skipperbt@gm.sbac.edu and vaughnbk@gm.sbac.edu
Designed for students who wish to pursue a career in veterinary medicine, animal science or ornamental horticulture. Students receive classroom instruction with hands-on labs that better prepares them for continued education in a college or university.
Academy of Automotive Technology - Professional Academies Magnet
Director, Ray Fayo 352-955-6839 - fayorj@gm.sbac.edu
Students explore career opportunities and requirements of a professional service technician. Student study safety, tools, equipment, shop operations, and basic engine fundamentals, basic technician skills, automotive general electrical systems, starting and charging systems, batteries, lighting, and electrical accessories.
Academy of Criminal Justice- Newberry High School
Director, Patrick Treese 352-472-1101 - treesepj@gm.sbac.edu
Prepares students for a wide variety of careers in the criminal justice field and covers topics in investigative procedures, police ethics and constitutional law, patrol procedures and forensic science. Participation in one of the local Explorer programs is an available option for academy students.
Institute of Culinary Arts - Eastside High School*
Director, Pam Bedford 352-955-6704 - bedfordpa@gm.sbac.edu
Prepares students for careers in the hospitality and food service industry. While students operate the Hungry Ram Cafe and Restaurant, they learn skills in areas such as safety, equipment, baking, ice carving, grillwork, kitchen management and sanitation.
Academy of Entrepreneurship - Buchholz High School
Director, Wendy Rosche 352-955-6702 - roschewl@gm.sbac.edu
Prepares students for success in the business world by learning the principles of starting and operating a business. Students explore career interests through classroom instruction and worksite experiences, including the daily operation of the Spirit Spot (school store) on their campus.
Academy of Future Teachers - Gainesville High School*
Director, Katherine Martinez-Malo - martink@gm.sbac.edu
The Academy of Future Teachers is designed for students who are interested in a career in teaching at a 3rd grade through post-secondary level. Highlights of this program include: internship opportunities as early as sophomore year, working with and mentoring students from different ages and ability levels, and a focus directed at hands-on exploratory learning.
Academy of Finance - Buchholz High School
Director, Michele Brothers 352-955-6702 - brothemm@gm.sbac.edu
Provides opportunities for students interested in the financial field to learn valuable skills in financial computing, investments, financial planning, securities and accounting. Students also have an opportunity to train at a branch office of Florida Credit Union located on Buchholz's campus.
Academy of Fire and Emergency Medical Services
Director, Mark Smith 352-955-6839 – smithmv@gm.sbac.edu
Students attending this academy are introduced to the healthcare fields and public safety. The cadets are trained as Emergency Medical Responders and Fire Fighters. The curriculum covers basic fire-fighting skills in Fire Fighting 1 and 2.
Academy of Health Professions - Gainesville High School
Director, Margaret Scarborough 352-955-6707 - scarbomp@gm.sbac.edu
Provides classroom and clinical learning experiences at Shands/UF, NFRMC, SF, and skilled nursing facilities for students interested in a health-related career. Students prepare for certification as either a Certified Nursing Assistant, Certified Pharmacy Technician, EKG Technician, First Responder/EMT (dual enrolled) and job entry positions as a Rehab Aide/Physical Therapy Aide.
Academy of Media Production (Beginning in the 2023-2024 school year)
Director, Nicole Tart - tartnm@gm.sbac.edu
Institute of Biotechnology- Santa Fe High School
Director, Lauren Chandler 386-462-1125 - chandlerls@gm.sbac.edu
Students in this program have the opportunity to enter and excel in this growing career field. Graduates may enter the workforce in positions for inventory control, materials logistics, environmental monitoring, or continue education at postsecondary levels. Supported via a National Science Foundations grant.
Academy of Gaming and Mobile Apps
Director, Eric Baez - baezej@gm.sbac.edu
The program content in the Academy of Gaming and Mobile Apps includes practical experiences in game/simulation conceptualization, design, storyboarding, development methodologies, essential programming techniques, and implementation. Specialized programming skills involving advanced mathematical calculations and physics are also integrated into the curriculum.
Institute of Graphic Art and Design
Director, Mandy St. Peter - stpetermp@gm.sbac.edu
The Institute of Graphic Art and Design offers a range of digital and traditional art courses which prepare students for a future in the highly competitive artistic marketplace.
Academy of Robotics and Engineering
Director, Rob Goddard - goddardre@gm.sbac.edu
The Academy of Robotics and Engineering provides a specialized four-year program designed to prepare students for post-secondary education and industry certifications leading to a rewarding career in Automation, Manufacturing, or Engineering Technologies.
The Bradford Career Academies are located on the campus of the North Florida Technical College (formerly Bradford-Union Technical Center) with the exception of the Academy of Information Technology at Bradford Middle School. Career Pathways works closely with North Florida Technical College to update high school curriculum and give students the opportunity to earn college credit. For detailed information on programs and courses eligible for college credit, visit the Crosswalks section of the College Credit Opportunity page.
Health Science Academy
The Health Science Academy provides technical training and experience for students interested in health-related careers. The program consists of integrated curricula in applied academics and clinical experiences in health care settings. Students are prepared to seek employment in the health field after graduation, or to continue education at the post-secondary level.
Academy of Agriscience
The purpose of this program is to prepare students for employment in positions in the agriculture industry, including farm work; farm worker, diversified crops; farm machine tender; agricultural product marketing representative; farm and garden supply worker; custom harvest operator; or to provide supplemental training for persons previously or currently employed in these occupations.
Academy of Computer Systems and Information Technology
The Academy of Computer Systems and Information Technology is designed to offer instruction in computer literacy; software application support; basic hardware configuration and troubleshooting; networking technologies, troubleshooting, security and administration using Windows products.
Academy of Digital Design
The Academy of Digital Design offers a broad foundation of knowledge and skills to prepare students for employment in digital media, new media, and multimedia positions using Apple products. Students will learn about podcasting, iMovies and other new media outlets.
Academy of Early Childhood Education
The Early Childhood Education (ECE) academy provides students with the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for gainful employment and/or to pursue advanced education in the area of Early Childhood Education. In conjunction with the ECE program, an on-site lab for three to four year olds is available. This on-site early learning center provides the student with the opportunity to apply teaching techniques developed in the Early Childhood Education classroom.
Academy of Information Technology at Bradford Middle School
This academy is designed to provide an introduction to Information Technology concepts and careers as well as the impact information technology has on the world, people and industry, and basic web design concepts. Emphasis is also placed on digital publishing concepts and operations to include layout, design, measurement, decision making and digital imaging. This program is designed to prepare students for employment as an Information Technology Assistant, Production Assistant, Digital Assistant Designer, Graphic Designer, and Multi-Media Designer.
Academy of Welding
The Applied Welding Technologies program in the Academy of Welding is designed to prepare a person for employment as a welder or combination welder-fitter. Students enrolled in this program and are successful completers will become able to read blueprints, shop drawings, layouts, and fabricating, Arc Welding, Oxyacetylene Cutting, Mig and Tig Welding, use and care of tools and equipment in the trade, and preparation for the certification test.
Planned Sequence of Study in a Career and Technical Field
Students may use their electives to enroll in a sequence of three related career and technical education courses at the high school level that could be articulated (linked) in a program of study to Santa Fe College or to other colleges and universities. This is a good option for any student because of the opportunity to earn accelerated college credit, industry certifications, or a Florida Bright Futures Scholarship.
High School Dual Enrollment
Students in the eleventh and twelfth grades can acquire academic and technology-based training at the college level while earning both college and high school credit. Students apply to the High School Dual Enrollment program through their high school counselor and, if accepted, take their academic and technology courses at SF.