"Future-focused CTE programs thrive when state-of-the-art facilities and industry aligned equipment empower students to engage in hands-on learning, bridging the gap between classroom concepts and real-world application."
-Lyndsay Huntsman, Park City School District’s CTE & PCCAPS Director
From preschool to post-secondary education, Park City School District students have access to an exceptional number of real-world learning opportunities through STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) and CTE (Career and Technical Education) courses. Many of these programs are supported – or completely funded – by PCEF donors.
PCEF was launched in 1986, when a PCHS science teacher requested $2,000 in funding to send two students to a Stanford space camp marking the beginning of a commitment to real-world learning experiences that extend beyond the traditional classroom setting. In the nearly 40 years since, PCEF has funded hundreds of STEAM grants – including the groundbreaking elementary coding programs which started in 2015. Educators say working through hands-on STEAM programs – like coding and robotics – are particularly useful to build critical thinking and problem solving skills.
CTE connects the academic, employability and technical skills that prepare students for the challenges of post-secondary education and a competitive workforce. By participating in PCSD’s CTE courses, students experience a more personalized education, learn about multiple pathways to college and/or career while maximizing opportunities for their future. And, now with the newly opened CTE wing at the high school, students have access to the latest equipment and technology to enhance learning possibilities.
How is CTE integrated with STEAM and Real World Learning? CTE increases STEAM accessibility – and makes the content more relevant as students can apply their knowledge to work through hands-on experiences. And, poised to become even more influential for Park City students, the soon-to-be-completed high school expansion will include a new CTE facility offering dynamic work environments, and flexible classroom environments aligned to industry standards.
Scroll down to see the numerous STEAM/CTE real-world learning courses PCEF donors support throughout each PCSD school.
Elementary Schools (K-5th):
- Kindergarten - 5th → Coding Classes (initially funded by PCEF and now supported by a USBE grant)
- Provide instruction that incorporates elements of computational thinking.
- Expose students to coding, build confidence, & generate excitement.
- Foster creativity & collaboration.
- Elementary SEED (Utah Science with Engineering Education) Standards
- Elementary students have an opportunity to be exposed to certain aspects of CTE through their Friday Enrichment schedule.
Ecker Hill Middle School (6th-7th):
- 6th →Intro to Creative Coding
- 7th →Creative Coding 1
- 7th →College and Career Awareness (CCA)
- 7th →Exploring Technology
- 7th →FCS Exploration
Treasure Mountain Junior High (8th-9th):
- 8th → Creative Coding 2
- 8th → Digital Literacy (not a CTE course, but required for graduation)
- 9th → Construction Technology
- 8th → FCS Exploration
- 9th → Food and Nutrition
- 9th → Computer Programming 1 (Fulfills Digital Studies graduation requirement)
- 9th → Exploring Business and Marketing
- 9th → Exploring Computer Science (Fulfills Digital Studies graduation requirement)
- 9th → Engineering Technology
- 9th → Intro to Health Science
- 9th → Web Development 1 (Fulfills Digital Studies graduation requirement)
Park City High School (10th – 12th):
- Business Management
- Entrepreneurship
- Construction Management 1
- Sports and Recreation Marketing
- Investing and Wealth Management
- Graphic Print Design 1
- TV Broadcasting 1
- Video Production 1
- AP Computer Science Principles
- AP Computer Science A
- Teaching as a Profession 1
- Robotics & Automation
- Engineering Principles 1
- Woods 1
- CAD Mechanical Design 1 & 2
- CAD Architectural Design 1, 2 & 3
- Medical Anatomy and Physiology
- Medical Math
- Medical Terminology
- Emergency Medical Response (EMR)
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
- Exercise Science/Sports Medicine
- Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA)
- Biotechnology
- Culinary 1
- Culinary 2
- Baking & Pastry
- Hair Design
- Basic Esthetician and Skin Care
- Nail Technician/Specialist Manicurist
- Cosmetology
- Barbering
- Intro to Behavioral Health
- Unmanned Aerial Systems (Drones)
- Unmanned Aerial Systems Lab: Design, Build, and Maintain
- Flight Simulator
- Private Pilot
- Intro to Automotive
CTE PATHWAYS | 6th-12th
Students learn technical skills at PCHS to help prepare for life after high school, either post-secondary or starting a career focusing on a specific pathway for exploration and coursework.
- Architecture & Construction
- Architectural Design
- Construction and Structural Systems
- Arts, AV Technology & Communications
- Broadcast & Digital Media
- Graphic Design & Communication
- Business, Finance, & Marketing
- Business Administration
- Marketing
- Finance
- Computer Science & Information Technology
- Programming & Software Development
- Web Development
- Education & Training
- K-12 Teaching as a Profession
- Engineering & Technology
- Engineering
- Health Science
- Health Science
- Hospitality & Tourism
- Culinary Arts
- Hospitality & Tourism
- Human Services
- Family and Human Services
- Personal Care Services
- Transportation, Distribution, & Logistics
- Aviation
- Automotive
PCCAPS | 11th - 12th
Students develop "Success Skills" through working on real-world projects for companies and organizations, and in alignment with their CTE pathway focus With more than a decade of impact and over 1,200 students participating to date, PCCAPS (Park City Center for Advanced Professional Studies) students are better prepared for success when they graduate.
Engineering & Architecture
Students gain hands-on experience in engineering and architectural design by working with real companies, using tools like 3D CAD, printers, and laser cutters to create prototypes. Opportunities include client projects with notable companies and the option to earn Autodesk certifications.
Business Solutions
This course equips students with the skills to launch and grow businesses, focusing on tasks like marketing, product development, and sales strategy for real clients. Students will also gain insights from business leaders and earn Google Digital Garage certifications.
Digital Design
Students explore graphic design, commercial art, film, photography, and animation by creating professional designs for clients. Past clients have included major brands, and students will work with industry-standard tools to produce logos, animations, websites, and films.
Drone/UAS Capstone
Students drone piloting skills to new heights in the Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Capstone Class. This advanced course is designed for students who have a strong foundation in UAS fundamentals and are ready to apply their knowledge to real-world projects. In collaboration with local communities and organizations, students will engage in hands-on drone projects, providing valuable services to real clients.
App and Technology Solutions
In this course, students apply technology to solve real-world problems for regional companies, gaining experience in fields like game development, web design, and data management. Mentorship from local coding experts is provided, along with opportunities to earn MTA programming certifications.
Intro to Physical Therapy
This course introduces students to the field of Physical Therapy through the history, medical terminology, documentation, therapy treatments, and pertinent legal and ethical considerations of the profession. Healthcare for a diverse population begins its thread in this experiential learning course. Students will participate in project-based learning opportunities through PCCAPS as well as complete clinical observations off campus.
Teacher Education: Personalized Education for Tomorrow
Students interested in teaching gain real classroom experience through student teaching in the Park City School District, developing lesson plans, assessments, and classroom management skills. The program also includes opportunities to network with University of Utah’s College of Education staff.
Looking ahead, we’re excited to introduce six (6) new CTE courses for the 2025 - 2026 school year, which include:
- Law Enforcement
- Criminal Law
- Intro. to Real Estate
- Influence and Content Marketing
- Cybersecurity 1: Networking Fundamentals (AP Career Kickstart program from CollegeBoard)
- Events Planning and Management
Whether college-bound, career-bound, or a combination of both, there are incredibly robust real-world learning opportunities throughout the PCSD and supported by PCEF – from Kindergarten through 12th grade, culminating in the PCCAPS program and the PCHS Transition Program for neuro diverse students.
Real World Learning is one of PCEF’s eight Signature Initiatives supporting its mission to inspire all Park City students to successfully reach their academic and lifelong potential.
