Pathways to Graduation—What Are They and What Do They Mean?
High school is full of choices—and the pathway your mentee chooses can open doors to their future, starting right now. This month, learn how the different pathways offered on your mentee’s campus can guide their journey, whether they are headed toward college, a trade, or the workforce.
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In Texas, all high school students follow the Foundation High School Program, which includes the basic courses needed to graduate. Let’s take a closer look at the different options and terms used to understand your mentee’s academic journey!
Core Concepts
Advanced Placement (AP)– High-rigor courses; passing exams may earn college credit.
Career Cluster– Broad career field (ex, Health Science, Business, IT, Construction).
Career & Technical Education (CTE)– Programs that offer a sequence of courses that provide academic knowledge and technical skills.
Dual Credit / Dual Enrollment– One course earns both high school and college credit.
Early College High School (ECHS)- Students complete major dual-credit coursework, sometimes earning an associate degree by graduation.
Endorsements + CTE– A focused pathway preparing students for college, training, or careers.
Foundation Courses– Basic state graduation requirements.
Pathway– The step-by-step route a student follows.
Pathways in Technology (P-Tech)- A high school model blending CTE pathways, college courses, and industry credentials; typically tied to STEM or Business & Industry.
Program of Study– A sequence of courses inside a cluster that builds skills for a specific field.
Advanced Placement, Dual Credit, Dual Enrollment, Early College, and Pathways in Technology are all tools and programs that help high schoolers get a jump start on college, technical training, or careers, while still meeting state graduation and endorsement requirements.
What This Means for Mentors
High school “pathways” help students connect what they’re learning now to the careers and opportunities they want in the future. Each student chooses an endorsement—a focused area of study such as STEM, Business & Industry, Public Services, Arts & Humanities, or Multidisciplinary Studies—which guides their course choices throughout high school. Within these endorsements, students can explore career clusters and programs of study that match their interests.
As a mentor, you can support your mentee by encouraging conversations about their goals, interests, and strengths. Help them consider which pathway feels right for them and remind them that options like AP courses, Dual Credit, Dual Enrollment, Early College, and P-Tech programs can give them a head start on college or career training. Most importantly, reassure them that pathways are flexible—students can adjust as their interests grow or change—and that talking with their school counselor early can help them stay on track for graduation and future success. If you are interested in learning more, see TEA’s High School Graduation Tool Kit.