Clusters & Curriculum Overview
Clusters & Curriculum Overview
The Career and Technical Education Programs partner with local businesses and industries to provide a strong program. Students will declare a Career Tech Program in the 9th grade and will follow one of the pathway options throughout their time in high school.
The Career Tech Clusters and Programs are as follows:
- Advanced Manufacturing (Browning and Mosley)
- Modern Manufacturing Center of Excellence
- PLTW Engineering
- Arts, Entertainment, & Design (Reynolds)
- Visual Arts
- Digital Technology (Martin)
- Information Technology Support and Services
- Cybersecurity and Infrastructure
- Healthcare & Human Services (Mitchell and Williamson)
- Health Science
- PLTW Biomedical Science
- Hospitality, Events, & Tourism (Scott)
- Food and Beverage Services
- Jobs for Alabama’s Graduates ~ JAG (Storey)
- Management & Entrepreneurship (Morgan and White)
- Business Information Technology
- Marketing & Sales (Morgan and White)
- Marketing
At the middle school, there are exploratory programs that lead to high school career tech programs. The options are as follows:
- Computer Science (Knox)
- Health Science (Harwell)
- We Build It Better (Browning)
Advanced Manufacturing
Aligning with Alabama’s thriving industrial sector, this program teaches modern manufacturing engineering, computer-integrated systems, precision tools, and safety protocols. Students develop technical problem-solving capabilities while learning the fundamentals of mechanics, automation, and project-based engineering. This hands-on experience prepares students to earn technical credentials and pursue high-demand careers as industrial maintenance technicians, robotics operators, quality control specialists, or manufacturing engineers.
| School Name | Program Name |
| Sylacauga High School |
Modern Manufacturing Center of Excellence |
| Sylacauga High School | PLTW Engineering |
| Nichols-Lawson Middle School | We Build It Better |
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The Modern Manufacturing Center of Excellence introduces students to the advanced technologies and processes used in today's manufacturing industry. Students develop hands-on skills related to automation, robotics, precision production, manufacturing processes, technology, safety, quality control, and problem-solving while learning how products move from design to production. The program can prepare students for high-demand careers such as manufacturing technician, production technician, automation technician, robotics technician, quality-control technician, and industrial maintenance professional, as well as further training in advanced manufacturing and engineering.
Course Pathway 1. Modern Manufacturing COE 1 2. Modern Manufacturing COE 2 3. Modern Manufacturing COE 3 4. CTE Lab in Manufacturing Career Tech Student Organization (CTSO)
- SkillsUSA
Credentials & Certifications
- Skills for Success – Forklift Operator
- Skills for Success – Skidsteer Operator
- OSHA 10
- AHA HeartSaver CPR and AED
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Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Engineering provides students with a hands-on introduction to engineering design, problem-solving, innovation, and the engineering process. Students learn to identify problems, develop solutions, use computer-based design tools, create prototypes, test ideas, analyze results, and communicate technical information. The program can prepare students for careers in engineering, drafting and design, manufacturing, architecture, robotics, and other technical fields while providing an excellent foundation for students pursuing engineering or other STEM-related degrees.
Course Pathway 1. Introduction to Engineering Design – PLTW 2. Computer Integrated Manufacturing – PLTW 3. Principles of Engineering – PLTW 4. CTE Lab in STEM Career Tech Student Organization (CTSO)
- TSA
Certificates and Credentials
- Autodesk-Fusion Certified User
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We Build It Better is a hands-on, project-based program that introduces students to the process of developing and improving products to solve real-world problems. Students explore engineering and design concepts while learning how to identify a problem, brainstorm solutions, build prototypes, test ideas, and make improvements. The program develops creativity, collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills while giving students an early look at careers in engineering, manufacturing, technology, product design, and other STEM fields.
Arts, Entertainment, and Design
This program immerses students in the creative and technical principles of visual communications, media production, and commercial photography. Students develop essential skills in camera operation, lighting, darkroom and digital editing, graphic arts, and video production through hands-on laboratory projects. Earning industry-recognized credentials such as Adobe Certified Associate certifications, graduates can use these foundational talents to pursue careers in photojournalism, graphic design, film and television production, and digital marketing.
| School Name | Program Name |
| Sylacauga High School | Visual Arts |
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The Photography program develops students' creative and technical skills through the art and business of photography. Students learn camera operation, composition, lighting, digital editing, visual storytelling, and professional presentation while building a portfolio of their work. The program can prepare students for careers in photography, graphic design, media production, advertising, social media content creation, photojournalism, and other creative industries, as well as further study in visual arts and digital media.
Course Pathway 1. Photography 1 2. Photography 2 3. Photography 3 4. CTE Lab in Arts, A-V Technology, and Communication Career Tech Student Organization (CTSO)
- SkillsUSA
Certifications and Credentials
- Adobe Certified Professional-Photoshop
Digital Technology
This cluster equips students with high-demand computational skills across computer science, information technology support, software applications, and cybersecurity principles. Students learn how to troubleshoot hardware and software issues, manage networks, write code, and implement essential data security measures. Knowledge gained in this pathway allows students to pursue immediate IT certifications or further education leading to careers in network administration, software development, cybersecurity analysis, and tech support.
| School Name | Program Name |
| Sylacauga High School | Information Technology Support & Services |
| Sylacauga High School | Cybersecurity & Infrastructure |
| Nichols-Lawson Middle School | Computer Science Discoveries & Endeavors |
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Information Technology Support & Services prepares students to troubleshoot, maintain, and support the technology systems used by individuals and organizations. Students develop skills in computer hardware and software, operating systems, troubleshooting, technical support, networking fundamentals, cybersecurity awareness, and professional customer service. The program can prepare students for careers such as IT support specialist, help-desk technician, computer technician, systems support technician, and other entry-level information technology positions, while providing a foundation for industry certifications and advanced IT education.
Course Pathway 1. Information Technology Fundamentals 2. Network Fundamentals 3. CTE Lab in Information Technology Career Tech Student Organization
- TSA
Certifications and Credentials
- CompTIA Tech +
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The Cybersecurity & Infrastructure program introduces students to the systems and security practices used to protect computers, networks, devices, and information from digital threats. Students develop skills in networking, cybersecurity principles, system security, troubleshooting, risk awareness, and protecting digital information while learning how technology professionals respond to security challenges. The program can prepare students for careers such as cybersecurity technician, network support specialist, security analyst, IT technician, and infrastructure support professional, with opportunities to continue into advanced certifications and postsecondary IT programs.
Course Pathway 1. Information Technology Fundamentals 2. Network Fundamentals 3. Cybersecurity 1 4. CTE Lab in Information Technology Career Tech Student Organization
- TSA
Certifications and Credentials
- CompTIA Tech +
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The Middle School Computer Science program introduces students to computational thinking, coding, problem-solving, and the technology concepts that power today's digital world. Students learn how to approach problems logically, create and test programs, understand basic programming concepts, and use technology to develop solutions. These experiences can spark interest in future careers such as software development, computer programming, cybersecurity, information technology, data science, and other STEM-related fields.
Healthcare and Human Services
Addressing one of the nation's fastest-growing industries, this program introduces students to foundational health sciences, human anatomy, medical terminology, and basic patient care skills. Through classroom instruction, laboratory simulations, and potential clinical internships, students learn essential medical procedures, safety protocols, and wellness concepts. Graduates can leverage this training to immediately enter entry-level healthcare roles or pursue postsecondary degrees in nursing, medicine, pharmacy, therapy, or social services.
| School Name | Program Name |
| Sylacauga High School | Health Science |
| Sylacauga High School | PLTW Biomedical Science |
| Nichols-Lawson Middle School | Health Science |
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The Health Science program prepares students for careers in one of the fastest-growing career fields by combining classroom instruction with hands-on learning about health care and patient services. Students explore medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, infection control, safety, communication, professionalism, and basic health-care procedures while developing the skills and work habits expected in health-care settings. The program can prepare students for entry-level health-care careers and serve as a foundation for further education in nursing, medical assisting, emergency medical services, medical laboratory science, radiology, and other health professions.
Course Pathway 1. Foundations of Health Science 2. Therapeutic Services 3. Patient Care Technician 4. Health Science Internship Career Tech Student Organization
- HOSA
Certifications and Credentials
- Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant (CPCTA)
- Skills for Success-Community Health Worker
- Skills for Success-Mental Health Worker
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Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Biomedical Science gives students an opportunity to explore the science behind the human body, disease, medicine, and health care through hands-on, problem-based learning. Students investigate real-world medical and biological challenges while developing skills in scientific research, laboratory procedures, data analysis, critical thinking, and problem-solving. The program can help prepare students for careers such as biomedical technician, laboratory technician, medical professional, health researcher, and other careers in health care, biotechnology, and life sciences.
Course Pathway 1. Foundations of Health Science 2. Human Body Systems (PLTW) 3. Principles of Biomedical Sciences (PLTW) Career Tech Student Organization
- HOSA
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The Middle School Health Science program gives students an early introduction to the wide variety of careers available in health care. Students explore topics such as human body systems, health and wellness, medical careers, safety, teamwork, and basic health-science concepts through engaging, hands-on activities. The program allows students to discover their interests while building a foundation for future high school Health Science coursework and careers in nursing, medicine, emergency services, medical technology, and other health-related fields.
Hospitality, Events, and Tourism
This cluster focuses on the art of customer service, culinary principles, food safety, and large-scale event organization. Students learn hands-on culinary skills, menu planning, food and beverage operations, and the logistics behind managing successful hospitality events. The practical knowledge gained in this program prepares students for immediate employment or advanced training in restaurant management, hotel administration, event coordination, and tourism operations.
| School Name | Program Name |
| Sylacauga High School | Food and Beverage Services |
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The Food & Beverage Services program prepares students for the fast-paced hospitality and food service industry through hands-on experiences in food preparation, customer service, sanitation, safety, and professional workplace practices. Students learn about food service operations, menu and service concepts, teamwork, communication, and the importance of creating a positive customer experience. The program can prepare students for careers such as restaurant and food service worker, server, host, catering professional, food service manager, and hospitality professional, while also providing a foundation for culinary and hospitality education.
Course Pathways 1. Introduction to Hospitality and Tourism 2. Cultural Foods 3. Event Planning and Management 4. CTE Lab in Hospitality and Tourism Career Tech Student Organization
- FCCLA
Certifications and Credentials
- Skills for Success-Barista
- Skills for Success-Food and Beverage
- AHLEI Guest Services Professional
JAG
JAG is a workforce preparation program focused on developing essential career readiness, leadership, and life skills. Students learn job search strategies, resume writing, professional interview techniques, financial literacy, communication, and critical thinking in a team environment. This practical guidance ensures students graduate with the confidence and competence to smoothly transition directly into the workforce, enlist in the military, or succeed in postsecondary education.
| School Name | Program Name |
| Sylacauga High School | JAG – (Jobs for Alabama’s Graduates) |
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Jobs for Alabama's Graduates (JAG) is designed to help students successfully transition from high school into employment, postsecondary education, or other career opportunities. Through career exploration, employability skills, leadership development, workplace preparation, financial literacy, communication, goal-setting, and hands-on career experiences, students build the skills needed to become confident and successful young professionals. JAG can help prepare students for a wide range of careers while connecting them with opportunities for employment, further education, leadership, and long-term career success. ALSDE identifies JAG Specialist as its own technical education pathway, making it appropriate to highlight separately from the traditional CTE clusters.
Course Pathway 1. JAG 1 2. JAG 2 3. JAG 3 4. JAG 4 Career Tech Student Organization
- JAG
Management and Entrepreneurship
Designed to prepare students for the modern corporate world, this program emphasizes business applications, organizational leadership, foundational business models, and essential personal finance concepts. Through coursework in Business Information Technology, students master industry-standard software tools like spreadsheets and databases while developing professional business communication skills. They also learn how companies operate, structure their business models, and manage capital. This knowledge equips students with practical computational and analytical skills to manage personal finances, launch their own enterprises, or step directly into high-demand roles in business administration, financial planning, and corporate management.
| School Name | Program Name |
| Sylacauga High School | Business Information Technology |
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Business Information Technology prepares students with the technology, communication, and organizational skills needed in today's professional workplace. Students develop skills in productivity software, document creation, spreadsheets, presentations, data management, professional communication, and other digital business applications. Graduates can pursue careers such as administrative assistant, office specialist, customer service representative, data entry specialist, and business support professional, while also building a foundation for careers in business management, finance, and information technology.
Course Pathway 1. Career Preparedness 2. Digital Media Design 3. CTE Lab in Business Management & Administration 4. Cooperative Education Career Tech Student Organization
- FBLA
Certificates and Credentials
Marketing & Sales
This cluster focuses on the principles of brand promotion, market research, customer relationship management, and strategic sales tactics. Students gain hands-on experience developing advertising campaigns, analyzing consumer behavior, mastering digital media marketing, and honing public speaking and negotiation skills. Through project-based learning and industry alignment, students learn how to drive revenue and influence consumer choices, preparing them for careers as marketing managers, real estate sales agents, digital media specialists, sports marketing specialists, public relations coordinators, or retail entrepreneurs.
| School Name | Program Name |
| Sylacauga High School | Marketing |
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The Marketing program introduces students to the principles of promoting, selling, and managing products and services in today's competitive marketplace. Students develop skills in advertising, customer service, sales, communication, merchandising, digital marketing, branding, market research, and entrepreneurship. These skills can prepare students for careers in sales, marketing, advertising, public relations, retail management, social media marketing, and entrepreneurship, while providing a strong foundation for postsecondary business programs.
Course Pathways 1. Career Preparedness 2. Entrepreneurship 3. Sports and Entertainment Marketing 4. CTE Lab in Marketing Career Tech Student Organization
- FBLA
Certificates and Credentials