Career Technical Education (CTE) in Antioch Unified School District (AUSD) is designed to prepare students for college, career, and life by equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and experiences needed for long-term success. CTE responds directly to the needs of today’s economy by aligning programs with California’s 15 industry sector groups, ensuring students are exposed to the state’s top-employing business segments.

CTE pathways are sequences of courses that provide students with industry-specific skills, occupational focus, and opportunities to apply learning in real-world settings. These pathways often include prerequisites, opportunities for dual or articulated college credit, and access to internships or on-the-job training. Some pathways begin as early as 9th grade, with most offered in the upper high school grades.

A key feature of AUSD’s CTE program is the integration of Work-Based Learning, which connects classroom instruction with hands-on experience. This approach enhances college readiness, boosts academic achievement, builds workforce preparation, and supports the overall economic development of the Antioch community.

Each high school in AUSD offers students a comprehensive program of study that combines rigorous academics with career-focused pathways to ensure students graduate prepared for both postsecondary education and the workforce. Eighth grade students select their high school program of study through the Aeries Portal, and admission to certain programs is determined by application and lottery.

Through CTE, Antioch Unified provides students with multiple educational options that not only meet graduation and college admission requirements but also open doors to meaningful careers. By blending academic excellence with career exploration and preparation, AUSD ensures every student has the opportunity to thrive in college, career, and beyond.

If you have any questions, please call Brenda Larsen at 925-779-7500 ext. 53300.  

Lottery Process for the 2025-26 School Year
All current AUSD 8th grade students will be selecting a high school program through the Aeries Portal. Students will receive information in their classes about the various programs. During the month of October, students will be selecting their desired High School Program in their advisory class. As your student begins to explore the variety of programs we want to encourage parents to visit our website www.antiochschools.net/pathways and view our informational video*: (please feel free to turn on the captions button – a variety of languages are available for closed captioning).

Families will have access to view students’ selections and make desired changes in the Aeries Parent Portal from October 14th through December 5th. High School Program selection application is due by December 5th using your Aeries Portal. For information on creating or accessing your Aeries Portal please visit our Aeries Parent Portal page

New to AUSD? Students who will be entering the district for High School can complete a paper application. Paper applications will be available online, beginning October 21st and hard copies can be found at the District Office. Paper application can be submitted by emailing PathwayLottery@antiochschools.net or dropped off at the District Office. Please visit AUSD Enrollment for additional steps and paperwork to complete enrollment.

New Enrollee? Please Fill Out a Pathway Application Form (English) Pathway Application Form (Spanish) beginning October 2024.

Email questions to: PathwayLottery@antiochschools.net