Your future is your final destination, and YOU are in the pilot seat! Whether college-bound, career-focused, or still exploring, Modesto City Schools is here to help you Map Your Mission!

Consider this page your travel guide to all things College and Career Readiness. It is packed with tools, tips, and links to help you plan your academic adventure.

Think of College and Career Readiness as your roadmap for life after high school. Being “ready” means reaching at least one major milestone on your journey—clear signs that you’re prepared for college, a career, the military, or whatever destination you choose.

The state of California recognizes eight ways to show you're ready:

1. A–G courses: Planning for college? Make sure you're on track for admission to the University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) systems by completing the required A–G coursework. These classes build a strong academic foundation and help keep your college options wide open.

2. Career Technical Education (CTE) pathway: Love hands-on work? Complete a CTE pathway and culminating capstone class to gain real-world experience in high-demand fields like healthcare, construction, digital media, culinary arts, and more. You’ll graduate with skills that translate directly into the workforce.

3. College Coursework: Want to earn college credit now? Take college-level classes while you're still in high school through our College Coursework (formerly known as dual enrollment) program. You can save time and money—and even get a head start on earning a college degree or certificate.

4. AP or IB exams: Ready to take on a challenge? Pass two Advanced Placement (AP) or two International Baccalaureate (IB) exams to show you can handle college-level coursework. These classes not only boost your transcript—they can also earn you college credit.

5. Smarter Balanced Assessment: Want to show you're ready for English and math in college? A qualifying score on the state’s Smarter Balanced Assessment proves you’re academically prepared for college-level work without needing remedial classes.

6. State Seal of Biliteracy: Do you speak more than one language? The State Seal of Biliteracy is an official recognition of your bilingualism. It appears on your diploma and transcript—and it’s a standout asset for college, scholarships, and job opportunities.

7. Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC): Are you considering the military, or want to build leadership skills? JROTC teaches discipline, teamwork, and citizenship. It’s a great option for students considering enlistment or looking to develop confidence and career-ready habits.

8. Transition Classroom Work-Based Learning (for students with IEPs): Earning a Special Education Certificate of Completion? You can show you're ready by completing at least 100 hours of work experience or the equivalent of four semester courses focused on college and career prep. These experiences are designed to help students with IEPs build employment and independent living skills.

SchooLinks is your personalized college and career planning tool. It helps you:

• Explore careers and colleges

• Set goals and plan your classes

• Apply for scholarships and internships

• Track your College and Career Readiness progress

As you Map Your Mission, you’ll earn digital passport stamps in SchooLinks to hit key milestones. These stamps celebrate your progress and keep you motivated as you move toward your final destination—College and Career Ready!

We’re building a video series just for you. Each video will walk you through one of the 8 readiness paths, so you’ll always know what to do next. Check back soon!