College & Career Pathway Endorsements

Additional Information on College & Career Pathway Endorsements

Enacted by Illinois in 2016, the Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness established a voluntary system for school districts to award College and Career Pathways Endorsements to high school graduates. Endorsements signify that a student is ready to pursue postsecondary education or enter a career related to a selected career interest area and incentivize career exploration and development. District 100 class of 2022 students will be the first class who will have the opportunity to obtain this endorsement.

College and Career Pathway Endorsements are based on a wide range of careers that fall within each endorsement area. Earning an endorsement will indicate a student’s readiness for career, civic, and college success.

Many factors will go into a student making this decision:

• What are your interests?

• What subjects or topics do you like?

• What clubs or extracurricular activities do you want to be a part of?

• What careers are you interested in?

The endorsement selection process is another way to help District 100 personalize the high school experience for each student. 

Click on an Endorsement area below to see the different pathways available. 

Note: Not every Endorsement area has an approved Career & College Pathway Endorsement at this time. 

How do students earn a College & Career Pathway Endorsement?

To earn a  College & Career Pathway Endorsement, students must complete the following:

Course Pathway: Students must complete the entire pathway to be eligible to receive the Pathway Endorsement. Each pathway contains articulated and dual credit courses. Students must obtain a minimum of 6 Early College Creedits within the identified pathway.   

Academic Indicators: Students must demonstrate specific levels of academic performance in ELA and Math. There are several indicators for ELA and Math that will meet the requirement. 

ELA Indicators:

• Advanced Placement English Language/Literature Exam Score of 3 or higher

• Standardized Evidenced Based Reading/Writing Score

  • SAT - Score of 540 or greater

  • ACT - Reading score of 18 or higher, and English score of 22 or higher

• AP English Language/Literature Course Grade (C or higher)

• Completion of Transition English course

Math Indicators:

• AP Math Exam Score of 3 or higher

• Completion of Algebra II course

• Standardized Math Score & Math class in 12th grade

  • SAT - Score of 540 or greater & Math class in 12th grade

  • ACT - Score of 22 or higher & Math class in 12th grade

• Completion of Transition Math course

Internship: Students must complete a 60-hour Internship that takes them into a real-world work environment. All internships must be pre-approved by the district.  Some internships are built into specific courses taught in District 100, such as the Teaching Internship & EMT classes. Other internship opportunities require co-enrollment in the Workplace Experience course. 

What College & Career Pathway Endorsements are currently available in District 100?

What are the benefits of obtaining a College & Career Pathway Endorsement in D100?

Students who complete all components of a Pathway Endorsement will receive the following:

• Recognition at Graduation with a Cord

• The corresponding Pathway Endorsement Seal will be added to each student's transcripts

Furthermore, to encourage students to pursue early college credits and industry credentials, and to get an early start on working toward their career, District 100 offers a special incentive. Any student who earns a Pathway Endorsement and subsequently obtains a degree, certification, or licensure in the same field will be guaranteed an interview for any related District 100 position they apply for.