9th Grade

What is Future-Ready?

Starting in 2009-2010 school year, the State Board of Education has changed the high school graduation requirements. The new Future-Ready Core is designed to ensure that all students learn what they need for success with a 15 unit core of academic work alongside up to six additional electives that each student can take in high school. The six elective courses, plus others that students take beyond the core course requirements, enable students to customize their high school education to meet their needs and interests. If you would like to read more about Future-Ready changes.

So what does this mean for you? At the beginning of the school year, you will choose one of 16 Career Clusters according to your interests. Find out more about each one below to help make your decision. A link is provided to view a pdf document of each cluster's requirements.

Also check out this 32 page Career Guide to get you started: Career Guide

Adobe Reader is required to view the pdf documents.

The 16 Career Clusters

Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources

The production, processing, marketing, distribution, financing, and development of agricultural commodities and resources including food, fiber, wood products, natural resources, horticulture, and other plant and animal products/resources.

• Related Pathways: Agribusiness Systems; Animal Systems; Environmental Service Systems; Plan Systems; Food Products and Processing Systems; Power, Structural and Technical Systems; Natural Resources Systems

Architecture and Construction

Careers in desigining, planning, manging, building and maintaining the built environment.

• Related Pathways: Design and Pre-Construction; Construction; Maintenance and Operations

Arts, A/V Technology and Communications

Designing, producing, exhibiting, performing, writing and publishing multimedia content including visual and performing arts and design, journalism, and entertainment services.

• Related Pathways: Audio and Video Technology and Film; Journalism and Broadcasting; Performing Arts; Printing Technology; Telecommunications; Visual Arts

Business, Management, and Administration

Encompass planning, organizing, directing and evaluating business functions essential to efficient and productive business operations. Career opportunities are available in every sector of the economy.

• Related Pathways: Administrative Services; Business Information Technology; General Management; Human Resources Management; Operations Management

Education and Training

Planning, managing and providing education and training services and related learning support services.

• Related Pathways:

Finance

Planning, services for financial and investment planning, banking, insurance, and business financial management.

• Related Pathways: Accounting; Banking Services; Business Finance; Insurance; Securities and Investments

Government and Public Administration

Executing governmental functions to include Governance; National Security; Foreign Service; Planning; Revenue and Taxation; Regulation; and Management and Administration at the local, state, and federal levels.

• Related Pathways: 

Health Science

Planning, managing, and providing therapeutic services, diagnostic services, health informatics, support services, and biotechnology research and development.

• Related Pathways: Therapeutic Services; Diagnostic Services; Health Informatics; Support Services; Biotechnology Research and Development

Hospitality and Tourism

Encompasses the management, marketing and operations of restaurants and other food services, lodging, attractions, recreation events and travel related services.

• Related Pathways: Lodging; Travel and Tourism; Recreation, Amusements and Attractions; Restaurants and Food and Beverage Service

Human Services

Preparing individuals for employment in career pathways that relate to families and human needs.

• Related Pathways: Consumer Services; Counseling and Mental Health Services; Early Childhood Development and Services; Family and Community Services; Personal Care Services

Information Technology

Building linkages in IT Occupational Framework:  For entry level, technical, and professional careers related to the design, development, support, and management of hardware, software, multimedia, and systems integration services.

• Related Pathways: Information Support and Services; Network Systems; Programming and Software Development; Web and Digital Communication

Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security

Planning, managing, and providing legal, public safety, protective services and homeland security, including professional and technical support services.

• Related Pathways: 

Manufacturing

Planning, managing and performing the processing of materials into intermediate or final products and related professional and technical support activities such as production planning and control, maintenance and manufacturing/process engineering.

• Related Pathways: Manufacturing Production Process; Production Maintenance, Installation and Repair; Quality Assurance; Logistics and Inventory Control; Health, Safety and Environmental Assurance

Marketing, Sales, and Service

Planning, managing, and performing marketing activities to reach orgainzational objectives.

• Related Pathways: Marketing Communications; Marketing Management; Marketing Research; Merchandising; Professional Sales

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

Planning, managing, and providing scientific research and professional and technical services (e.g., physical science, social science, engineering) including laboratory and testing services, and research and development services.

• Related Pathways: Engineering and Technology; Science and Mathematics

Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics

Planning, management, and movement of people, materials, and goods by road, pipeline, air, rail and water and related professional and technical support services such as transportation infrastructure planning and management, logistics services, mobile equipment and facility maintenance.

• Related Pathways: Transportation Operations; Logistics, Planning and Management Services; Warehousing and Distribution Center Operations; Facility and Mobile Equipment Maintenance; Transportation Systems/Infrastructure; Planning, Management and Regulations; Health, Safety and Environmental Management; Sales and Service