Digital technology Career Technical Education (CTE) courses ready students for higher paying roles and college opportunities

Is AI wiping out tech jobs? Quite the contrary: tech roles are projected to grow twice as fast as the rest of the U.S. economy over the next decade, according to the Computing Technology Industry Association’s (CompTIA) 2026 State of the Tech Workforce report.

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Learn4Life, a network of 90+ public high schools, wants to give their students a jumpstart on a high paying career. The schools’ digital technology CTE pathway gives students an edge in the field before they get their diplomas.

“They get hands-on instruction in tech literacy, hardware and software troubleshooting, computer networking and basic security,” said Learn4Life Chula Vista digital technology CTE teacher, Robert Link. “So even before they graduate, we help them pass the CompTIAA+ certification exam, which prepares them for work as a help desk technician, IT support specialist or field service technician.”

“I definitely recommend this course to any students new to the field and looking for hands-on experience. Before enrolling I had never planned on a career in tech, but with my new skillset I’m excited to explore my options after graduation,” said Learn4Life digital technology CTE student, Maria O.

Courses like these set students up with a strong foundation for pursuing higher paying technology careers with further education.

They can go on to explore more complex and high paying careers in cybersecurity, networking, systems administration and cloud technologies.

The digital technology pathway is just one of Learn4Life’s CTE options that gives students hands-on skills while earning college credits or industry-recognized certifications, along with relevant training in customer service skills, cover letters writing, resume building, applications and mock interviews. Students attend workshops, hear guest speakers from local industries, and participate in work-based learning experiences through field trips and college tours.

“Students shouldn’t have to wait until after graduation to start preparing for a career. They can leave high school with more than a diploma. They can leave with skills, confidence and a clear sense of direction,” said Link.

About Learn4Life

Learn4Life is a network of nonprofit public high schools that provide students personalized learning, career training and life skills. Each school is locally controlled, tuition free and gives students the flexibility and one-on-one attention they need to succeed. Serving more than 64,000 students through a year-round program, we help them prepare for a future beyond high school. For more information, please visit www.learn4life.org.

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“Students shouldn’t have to wait until after graduation to start preparing for a career."