Getting Career-Ready

The Career Technical Education (CTE) �Business (Entrepreneurship) Pathway

Why Business Careers �Matter in the Bay Area

3.2%

833,580

Median Annual Earnings

​

85,720

$72,409

Average Projected Job Growth (2023-28)

Sources:

Center of Excellence for Labor Market Research

University of Washington: Center of Women’s Welfare

Total Jobs in the Field (2023)

​

Total Annual Job Openings

$100,521

Avg. Annual Living Wage San Mateo County (2024)

2

Sources:

Center of Excellence for Labor Market Research

University of Washington: Center of Women’s Welfare

3

4

CTE Business Pathway Class Cohort

• Your classes connect: Business and English are linked because clear communication and thinking skills translate into greater commercial success. English skills can help you earn more income.
• One project for multiple classes: By connecting projects and activities across core classes, they are graded on the subject matter of each course. The overall quality of work improves.
• Real-world relevance: You’ll see how what you’re learning across the board applies to a future career in business, not just tests and homework.
• More support, less stress: Your teachers will really get to know you and support your learning. A school counselor is part of the pathway, and will help you stay on track and plan for what’s next.
• You’re not doing it alone: You’ll be in the same partner classes together with pathway peers who share your interests.
• Work-based learning opportunities: You’ll get chances to learn from professionals through activities like guest speakers, mentorship, field trips, simulations, projects for businesses, and hand-on experiences you can talk about during future job interviews.

Pathway Highlights

5

Earn College Credits

Beyond the textbook: hands-on learning and projects, guest speakers, job shadowing, and field trips.

Gain Real-World Experience

Built-in Support

Get Certified

Students can graduate with valuable industry certifications that make their college applications and resumes stand out.

​

Opportunity to earn 12+ college credits through dual enrollment and IB classes, saving time and money.

​

Students learn and grow within a dedicated support system. Teachers and counselors collaborate on relevant and meaningful content and provide support to ensure success.

6

​

• Dynamic Course Material: Foundational business concepts are taught through dynamic multi-media productions.
• Business Simulations: Various “SimCity-like” simulations allow you to practice core skills and see the results unfold.
• Problems as Opportunities: Recognize that difficulties we experience are opportunities waiting for a creative solution that empower us.
• Navigate Uncertainty: Build the skills you need to find your path when there is no map.

​

Course Highlights

Image: BusinessU

Image: Knowledge Matters

Image: Marketplace Simulations

Image: SIFMA

Image: Marketplace Simulations

7

Course Highlights

• Investment Pitches: Learn how to tell your story to win support and funding.
• Optional Competitions: Expose yourself to world-class competitions against like-minded students.
• School-Based Businesses: Help launch actual businesses based at school where you learn what you need to know to run your own business.
• Mentorship: Work with members of the business community who want to see you succeed.

YOUR FUTURE STARTS HERE

Is This Entrepreneurship Pathway for You?

A two-year journey to discover your potential, build real ventures, and create solutions that matter—no special background required.

Gamma App

The Two-Year Entrepreneurship Pathway

Year 1: Start Your Business

Creativity, discovery, and ideation—where you learn to think like an entrepreneur and test your ideas in the real world.

Year 2: Grow Your Business

Operations, marketing, and scaling—where you build systems, develop resilience, and turn ideas into sustainable ventures.

This pathway is designed for students who want to design meaningful solutions, build real ventures, and discover what they're truly capable of achieving.

Gamma App

YEAR 1: Start Your Business

Are You Ready to Launch?

Creativity and Innovation in Entrepreneurship

Do you look at the world and see opportunities where others see obstacles? Year 1 challenges you to think differently, stretch your creativity, and learn how entrepreneurs turn problems into solutions customers actually want.

The Business Plan

Once you've identified the problem you aim to solve, and have validated your solution, tell your story and win support.

You'll develop: Customer empathy, design thinking skills, real-world testing experience, business modeling, and pitch presentation abilities.

Midjourney

Is Year 1 Right for You?

Ask yourself these questions to see if you're ready to Launch:

Are you curious about how ideas become real?

You don't need to have all the answers—just the willingness to explore and learn.

Do you want to explore creativity and problem-solving?

Innovation starts with asking "what if?" and being brave enough to try.

Are you willing to push outside your comfort zone?

Growth happens when you try new things, even when they feel uncomfortable.

Do you believe grit matters more than background?

Your effort, curiosity, and persistence are more important than where you come from.

If you're ready to stay engaged, ask questions, and push yourself to create something meaningful—you're ready to Launch.

YEAR 2: Grow Your Business

Are You Ready to Grow?

Are you willing to do the unglamorous work that separates real entrepreneurs from hobbyists?

Year 2 asks whether you can turn a working idea into a repeatable, scalable business. Growth requires discipline, consistency, and operational mastery—the systems, routines, and everyday decisions that allow a business to expand beyond its initial launch.

Small Business Management

Learn the basic skills of running a small business.

Digital Marketing

Discover how to find new customers using the tools of social media.

Midjourney

Is Year 2 Right for You?

Reflect on whether you're ready for the next level:

01

Do you want to learn how real businesses operate?

Behind every success story is daily work—inventory, finances, customer service, and problem-solving.

02

Are you willing to refine processes and manage details?

Building systems might not be glamorous, but it's what makes businesses sustainable.

03

Can you persist through routine work?

Understanding that repetition and consistency fuel growth is crucial to long-term success.

04

Do you want to master marketing and customer engagement?

Expanding your venture requires learning digital media, social strategies, and how to reach your audience.

If you're ready to build structure, develop resilience, and commit to the long game—you're ready to Grow.

A Pathway for Every Dreamer, Doer, and Builder

No Privilege Required

Success doesn't depend on where you come from or what advantages you've had.

No Pedigree Necessary

Your past grades or family background don't determine your entrepreneurial potential.

No Prior Experience Needed

Everyone starts somewhere—we'll teach you everything you need to know.

What matters: Mindset, effort, iteration, and the courage to try. If you're willing to show up and do the work, you belong here.

Gamma App

What Does It Take to Succeed?

Stay engaged

Show up, participate, and invest yourself in the journey.

Think differently

Challenge assumptions and approach problems with fresh perspectives.

Embrace discomfort

Growth happens outside your comfort zone—lean into the challenge.

Build something real

Use your own hands, your own ideas, and your own determination.

Midjourney

Ready to Start Your Journey?

1

Ask Yourself

Do I want to create something meaningful? Am I willing to work hard and learn from failure?

2

Take the First Step

Talk to your counselor about enrolling in the Entrepreneurship CTE Pathway.

3

Commit to the Process

Show up ready to learn, grow, and build something you're proud of.

Remember: This pathway isn't about being perfect—it's about being persistent, curious, and willing to try.

Gamma App

This Pathway Is for You

If you're willing to stay engaged, think differently, embrace meaningful discomfort, and build something real with your own two hands—welcome to the journey.

Your background doesn't define your future. Your choices do. And this choice—to become an entrepreneur, to learn, to grow, to create—could be the one that changes everything.

Gamma App