CAREER & COLLEGE

Becoming Future Ready means we are engaging students in their learning by providing opportunities in a variety of ways: through guest speakers, internships, opportunities for college and career exploration, SMUSD is preparing students for the next steps after graduation.

Student Spotlight

Future Ready: Career & College possibilities STEMmed from a high school internship for Charley Walsh

Senior, Charley Walsh, not only has her UCLA acceptance and is preparing for her first year in the fall, she also landed her first job in a long-term care tech start-up that stemmed from an internship from her Healthcare pathway courses at San Marcos High School.

“Ms. Davis’ Anatomy class made me want to pursue opportunities in healthcare and science,” says Walsh. After Ms. Davis’ class, Walsh landed two internships with Stanford University, before she began her current one at the long-term care start-up tech company, who has offered her a paid remote position.

“I’m so grateful for the Anatomy courses at SMUSD as well as the support and skills I learned through The San Marcos Promise. I’ve learned how to write a resume and interviewing skills, as well as discover all the resources available at my fingertips. With my new remote job, I can work through school while I am making a difference in the healthcare sector, before I even have my degree,” remarks Walsh, who is also a San Marcos Promise Ambassador.

Walsh is looking forward to her future career in Neuroscience, and she is quick to share why she believes she was able to discover her interests so early.

“My time at SMUSD definitely guided me to the path I am on now. From the rigor and variety of my courses, my supportive teachers, to the amazing experience on ASB, the student population around me who encouraged me, and the preparation for life outside the classroom, all helped bring me here,” says Walsh.

Walsh’s experience also allows her to serve as a role model for her younger siblings, “I’m taking everything I learned back to my family, and I want them to see that with your educational experience, you’ll get back exactly what you put in.”

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION PATHWAY

Students interested in the Building & Construction Trades industry at San Marcos High School have access to a large industrial woodworking area where they make everything from cabinetry and chairs, to a tiny home. Yes, a tiny home. When complete, the tiny home will be donated to a local non-profit, and in past years, the Wounded Warrior Village was a recipient for the home to be used for a homeless veteran.

FOOD SERVICE & HOSPITALITY PATHWAY

Chopping, prepping, catering - students enrolled in Culinary Arts courses gain experience in the Hospitality, Tourism, and Recreation industry sector, and spend time truly hands-on in their learning. Whether it’s an engaging elective, or a career, Culinary Arts students get real-world experience catering events throughout our community.

Public Safety Pathway

The Public Safety pathway and Criminal Justice courses prepare students with a broad-based foundational knowledge in careers that involve public safety. Whether students are interested in pursuing legal or law enforcement careers, students are engaged in hands-on training and exercises.

Engineering Design Pathway

As the population continues to grow, engineers and architects will be called upon to imagine the future and turn it into reality. The Engineering & Architecture sector courses are designed to provide a foundation in engineering, architecture, and design. Examples of careers are Electrical Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Civil Engineer, Software Engineer, Environmental Engineer, and Chemical Engineer.

San Marcos & Mission Hills High School students both recipients of $180K NROTC Scholarships

Mission Hills High School student, Cadence Yeats, and San Marcos High School student, Fiona Burns, were each recipients of a $180,000 NROTC Scholarship from the United States Marine Corps. The Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) allows aspiring Marine Officers the opportunity to complete their studies at a participating college or university and earn a commission in the United States Marine Corps. Congratulations Cadence & Fiona!

14 Career Technical Education Pathways:

Agriscience

Ornamental Horticulture

Animal Science

Design, Visual, and Media Arts

Cabinetry, Millwork, & Woodworking

Residential & Commercial Construction

Child Development

Education

Family & Human Services

Engineering Design

Patient Care

Food Service & Hospitality

Software & Systems Development

Public Safety

3,241 STUDENTS enrolled in a CTE course