What is a CTE Academy?

Abraham Lincoln HS Academies

About

Abraham Lincoln High School is fortunate to offer its students some career-related academic choices with its 4 CTE (Career Technical Education) funded multi-year Academy Programs:

  • CTE Business Academy
  • CTE Digital Media Design Academy
  • CTE Green Academy
  • CTE Teacher Academy

The 4 CTE Academies (Green, Business, Teacher, & Digital Media Design) are funded through special state & federal CTE funds geared towards academic coursework with an emphasis on preparing youth for today's careers. The Business & Teacher Academies are also CA Partnership Academy (CPA) Grant funded programs which have access to extra monies for field trips, technology, and other educational resources. The Green Academy is a innovative program which teaches students cutting edge Green Technology concepts and skills and which emphasizes hands-on community learning projects and field work.

What Students & Parents Say About the Academies:

Joining an academy was the best decision I ever made! Not only did I become more socially conscious of the world around me but I made strong and unique friendships with my peers. Additionally,  I had the best teachers and the most enriching learning experiences! As a fresh college graduate I miss, and think fondly of my high school years, and I’m so glad I joined an academy.”  -Academy Graduate

"The Academy offerings at Lincoln provide students with a great opportunity for experiential learning and reflection. Our daughter liked getting to know a diverse group of students well over their 3 years together, along with the option to take other academic classes with that same cohort. She also appreciated the consistency of having the same teacher for 3 years, someone who knew her well and provided crucial support during that time. Her Academy teacher was an incredibly helpful source of information for internship and employment opportunities. Through the Academy, our daughter learned to network outside of school in her areas of interest, and benefited from help on practical skills, such as building a resume, applying for jobs and college, and seeking a recommendation.”  -Parent of an Academy graduate

“Joining an Academy was the best decision I made in high school! It gave me access to participate in numerous activities such as going on a backpacking trip, camping trip, job shadow, and even working for SFUSD! I have access to internships and volunteering opportunities in many different fields.  Students have many chances to find their passions. Being in Green academy isn't just limited to studying content there are opportunities to participate in mock interviews, learn how to build a resume, and many more useful skills that will pay off in the future! “ -Current Academy Senior

"I've met and gotten close to a bunch of people with the same interests as me over the past three years in  an academy. I've also gotten an internship during the school year which is only one of many opportunities presented to us through the academy." -Current Academy Senior

"Joining an academy is a great way to build a community of friends, explore career interests, and develop both personal and life skills. Being in an academy for three years gave me hands-on experience both inside and outside the classroom as well as unique opportunities such as field trips, job shadows, and internships. ” -Academy Graduate

"The Academies at Lincoln High School are a wonderful way for your child to get an experience of what they would like to do when they grow up. Real opportunities were given so they could see what the real world was like instead of just textbook information. Also the camaraderie among the same students within the 3 years was a great way to build close friendships.” -Parent of Academy Graduate

Who to contact:

CTE Business Academy (BA):

CTE Digital Media Design Academy (DMD):

CTE Green Academy (GA):

CTE Teacher Academy (TA):

  • Ingrid Seyer-Ochi, (TA Lead Teacher) seyer-ochii@sfusd.edu

Public Health Academy (PH):

  • Eric Bringas (PH Lead Teacher) bringase@sfusd.edu

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) About CTE Academies:

Can I join a CTE Academy in my 11th grade year?

YES-but there are much fewer open spots for you to join since most students have already joined at the start of their 10th grade year, so if you really want to be part a particular academy, you should try to join starting in your 10th grade year.

Can I drop an academy program if I do not like it?

After being in an academy during your 10th grade year, YES, you can drop the program and join another academy (if there is space), or just take regular elective classes at Lincoln. At the end of your 11th grade year after being in an academy though, it may not be possible for you to drop an academy if you took an internship spot over the summer before starting your 12th grade year since you took the spot from someone who committed to a multi-year academy program. Each Academy Lead Teacher will have more info for you about wanting to drop at the end of your 11th grade year, so ask them.  

Can I take other electives (AP, Honors, AVID, art classes, etc.) or pathways at Lincoln at the same time as being in a CTE Academy?

YES-many students who are in an academy are also in other Lincoln electives, programs, or pathways such as Advanced Placement (AP)/Honors courses, Drama, AVID, BioTech, ASB (student government), etc. The other elective course just needs to not be happening during the same exact period as the Academy elective class that year.

Are CTE Academy courses on the  UC/CSU A-G Course list?

YES-each CTE academy’s courses for each grade level are on the UC/CSU A-G Course list. The A-G / College Entrance Requirements are a sequence of high school courses that students must complete (with a grade of C or better) to be minimally eligible for admission to the University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) systems.

Will being in an academy help me figure out if I want to go to college and how to apply?

YES-students in an academy program will receive assistance in college major selection, college search and the college application process, as well as financial aid help too.

Some Good Reasons to Join:

Academies Poster

 

This page was last updated on January 10, 2024