Making The Case For Career Academies In Shaping Pre-Collegiate Students For STEM Career Pathways

Authors

• Felix Quayson, Texas State UniversityFollow

Keywords

STEM pathways, career academies, college and career readiness

Disciplines

Curriculum and Instruction | Curriculum and Social Inquiry | Educational Administration and Supervision | Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research | Education Economics | Gifted Education | Other Educational Administration and Supervision | Science and Mathematics Education | Secondary Education | Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education | Urban Education | Vocational Education

Abstract

Career academies are increasingly important in preparing pre-collegiate high school students for STEM pathways by connecting academic learning, technical skill development, career identity, and postsecondary readiness. STEM-focused career academies function as structured bridges between secondary education, higher education, and the labor market. Through small learning communities, interdisciplinary curricula, employer partnerships, work-based learning, and early exposure to college and career expectations, career academies help students understand STEM not only as school subjects but as possible futures. Research suggests that career academies can improve student engagement, support school persistence, and strengthen labor market outcomes when implemented with fidelity. The article concludes that career academies are vital equity-centered mechanisms for expanding STEM participation.

Recommended Citation

Quayson, F. (2026). Making The Case For Career Academies In Shaping Pre-Collegiate Students For STEM Career Pathways. Journal of Research in Technical Careers, 10 (1). https://doi.org/10.9741/2578-2118.1193