Exploring What’s Next: College and Career Readiness  

Growing up, we often get asked, “What do you want to be?” Some of us know exactly what that is, while others need time, trial and error, and exploration to discover our interests. 

College and Career Readiness Month is a reminder that students can start planning for their futures without having every detail figured out. 

At Insight Academy of Arizona (ISAZ), career and technical education (CTE) helps students connect what they learn in school with possibilities beyond graduation. Career-focused electives allow students to explore their interests, whether their next step includes college, technical training or entering the workforce. 

“Earning career credentials in high school gives students something tangible to show for their learning,” said Cedric Corbin, executive director of ISAZ. “These credentials can help students demonstrate their skills as they pursue further education and employment, while building confidence in what they’re capable of achieving.” 

ISAZ’s career and college preparation offerings span six main fields: 

Agriculture: Turning a Love of Animals into a Career 

A passion for animals can lead to meaningful work supporting their health and well-being. The agriculture pathway introduces veterinary career possibilities, including becoming a veterinary technician through additional education and credentials. Students can explore how their love of animals might translate into a professional career. 

Business Management: Turning Ideas into Opportunities 

Turning an idea into a successful business takes planning, leadership and a strategy for reaching customers. Business and Marketing connects the decisions behind running an organization with the creativity needed to promote it. Students can explore how businesses manage resources, build brands and communicate their value. 

Communications Media Technology: Telling Stories Through Digital Media 

For students who love to create, this pathway offers opportunities to build creativity and technology skills. Through Web & Digital Communication, students can learn to create engaging digital content and develop communication skills that translate into various careers. Interest in storytelling and design can grow into goals involving content creation, media production and visual communication. 

Health Science: Making a Difference Through Care 

Healthcare brings together individuals with a shared passion for helping others. ISAZ’s Health Science curriculum introduces students to foundational medical skills and different health-related professions, helping them explore potential careers and the education required to pursue them. Different pathways include medical assisting, pharmacy technician, mental & social health technician and sports medicine.  

Hospitality and Tourism: Creating Memorable Experiences Through Food 

Behind every great dish is technique, preparation and attention to detail. The Culinary Arts pathway introduces students to food preparation, kitchen safety and sanitation while encouraging creativity through cooking. A passion for food can become the starting point for further culinary training or opportunities in restaurants, catering and food service. 

Information Technology: Building Solutions Through Technology 

Technology powers everything from everyday communication to business operations. The Information Technology pathway gives curious problem-solvers opportunities to explore programming, software and digital tools. It can be a first step toward understanding how technology works and imagining what they could create with it. 

Taking the Next Step 

Students don’t need a complete career plan to begin preparing for their futures. Trying a new subject, discovering a strength or learning what a profession involves can help them make more informed choices. 

“We don’t expect students to have their entire future mapped out in high school,” said Mr. Corbin. “We want to give them opportunities to discover what excites them, build useful skills and understand the steps toward their goals. That’s how we help them move forward with confidence.” 

This College and Career Readiness Month, families can encourage students to explore their interests and discuss what they would like to learn next. A conversation with ISAZ’s counseling team or CTE pathway teachers can help connect that curiosity with courses and goals after graduation. 

To learn more about ISAZ’s CTE programs, visit our career and college prep page. 

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