Students enter a Collier Career Academy through a voluntary process; they must apply and be accepted with parental knowledge and support. Students wishing to enroll in an academy that is not located at their zoned high school can apply to an academy at another high school through the “Out of Zone” application process.

Students may earn a standard high school diploma through the Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathway option when achieving the following requirements:

• Successfully complete a minimum of 18 credits.
• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Meet the requirements of:
  • 4 English credits (including the statewide grade 10 Reading assessment or the grade 10 ELA assessment or earn a concordant score)
  • 4 Math credits (including the statewide Algebra 1 EOC assessment or earn a comparative score)
  • 3 Science credits
  • 3 Social Studies credits
• Complete two credits in Career and Technical Education. The courses must result in a program completion and an industry certification

For a student who enters grade 9 BEFORE the 2023-2024 school year, complete two credits in electives or work-based learning programs. A one-half credit in financial literacy may be included in the two credits of electives.

For a student who enters grade 9 DURING the 2023-2024 school year and thereafter, complete one and one-half credits in electives or work-based learning programs.
 

The Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program offers Career and Technical Education opportunities. These opportunities can help students gain valuable skills and knowledge in a variety of career fields, while also earning scholarships to help pay for post-secondary education.

The Florida Bright Futures Gold Seal CAPE Scholarship and Gold Seal Vocational Scholarship are prestigious awards that recognize high school students demonstrate exceptional academic 
achievement and have completed a rigorous college and career preparatory curriculum. The scholarships provide full tuition, fees, and housing for eligible students attending public universities or colleges in Florida.

Gold Seal CAPE Scholarship (GSC)

• No GPA requirement
• 30 volunteer service hours OR 100 paid work hours OR a combination of 100 total hours
• 5 CAPE post-secondary credit hours 
• (can be earned through approved CAPE industry certifications)
• No required ACT/CLT/SAT scores

Gold Seal Vocational Scholarship (GSV)

• 3.0 weighted GPA in non-elective courses
• 3 full credits in a single CTE program
• 3.5 unweighted GPA in a single CTE program
• 30 volunteer service hours OR 100 paid work hours OR a combination of 100 total hours
• Minimum ACT/CLT/SAT score or P.E.R.T. score by August 31 of high school graduation year
   

To be a Collier Career Academies (CCA) Completer, a student must:

• Complete a minimum of three (3) sequential courses from a Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) framework aligned to the academy pathway with a grade of C or higher.
• Must complete a minimum of five (5) Work-Based Learning (WBL) opportunities. Must include one for each category listed below.

CAREER DISCOVERY

• Career Fairs:  These events expose students to a wide range of industries and professions in a single setting.
• Guest Speakers:  Professionals share their personal career journeys, providing students with authentic insights into different jobs.
• Worksite Tours:  These tours offer a firsthand look at various work environments, from manufacturing plants to creative studios.

CAREER INVESTIGATION

• Informational Interviews:  Students learn about a specific career by asking a professional in the field about their job, responsibilities, and challenges.
• Job Shadows:  A student spends a day observing a professional to see what a typical workday looks like.
• Mentorships:  Students are paired with a professional who can provide ongoing guidance and advice as they explore their career interests.
• Real-World, Workforce-Based Projects:  Students work on a project that mimics a task they would perform in a real job, often with guidance from an industry professional.

SKILL ACQUISITION

• CAPE Industry Certification:  Students prepare for and earn industry-recognized credentials that validate their skills and make them more competitive in the job market.

CAREER READINESS

Florida Ready to Work Credentials

• Essential Soft Skills Training (required)
• Academic Employability Skills Training (optional)
• Digital Skills Training (optional)

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Final Phase:  Provides the most immersive and comprehensive experience. The goal is for students to apply their skills in a professional setting and gain significant, documented experience.

• Internship
• Apprenticeship
• OJT converted to an Internship