Career Clusters represent major groupings of similar occupations and industries within the U.S. job market (e.g., business, information technology, manufacturing, health, human services.) Each Cluster provides students with the "big picture" in terms of career options and an understanding of the broad industry. Within each of the career clusters are various Career Pathways which represent a variety of occupational fields or jobs associated with the career cluster.
It is important to note that DoDEA has adopted 11 of the United States Department of Education's 16 nationally recognized Career Clusters and 22 associated pathways. Each DoDEA high school offers only those Clusters and Pathways that can be supported by the local school curriculum offerings. Check with the local school's counselor for specific information on the Clusters and Pathways offered.
What is exciting about Career Clusters and Pathways is that they will help students to focus on what they want to do with their lifes after they graduate. By choosing a pathway of interest, students will be guided into appropriate courses to take, and they will begin to understand the importance of subjects like math, science and English in preparing them in the area of their career interest. Each pathway focuses students on the courses and experiences that will allow them to explore careers and prepare for two-year and four-year colleges, and the workplace.
Students completing the 4 credits of study from the courses required and recommended for a specific Pathway will earn a Pathway endorsement on their graduation transcript. For a listing of required and recommended courses, click on one of the Clusters on the top left of this page and follow the links to specific pathways associated with the Cluster.
For additional information on careers, visit the following web sites:
National Career Clusters
CareerOneStop