College & Career

The Careers in Transportation Technologies program is an excellent opportunity for students interested in business, entrepreneurship or a specific career within the transportation industry (engineer, technician/mechanic, driver, sales, mobile or towing services, parts distribution, construction, etc.). Students in this program will be immersed in the day-to-day operations of local businesses that are regional and national leaders in transportation-related fields. In the first half of this year-long course, students will learn directly from individuals currently working in transportation careers. In the second half of the course, learning will be facilitated through a hands-on internship. Students will leave this course with an understanding of the many opportunities available and the skills necessary for a career in the transportation industry, including:

• Service, diagnostics and repair
• Sales, marketing and advertising
• Employee recruitment, hiring, training and retention
• Customer service
• Finance and management
• Business growth and forecasting
• Warehouse, delivery, inventory and logistics

Location:
North American Trailer
11015 Clark Rd., Inver Grove Heights
Transportation Provided

The Healthcare Careers and Medicine program is an excellent opportunity for students interested in business, healthcare administration or a specific career within the medical field (doctor, nurse, veterinarian, emergency responder, lab technician, researcher, etc.). Students will be immersed in a hands-on learning environment led by healthcare professionals and TriDistrict staff and will have direct access and exposure to authentic experiences in the field of medicine. In the first half of this year-long course, students will learn directly from individuals currently working in healthcare careers. In the second half of the course, learning will be facilitated through a hands-on internship. Students will leave this course with an understanding of the many opportunities available and exposure to the skills necessary for a career in the healthcare industry, including:

• Healthcare systems
• Human physiology
• Medical ethics and professionalism
• Communications and medical terminology
• Patient care 

Location:
Twin Cities Orthopedics Sports Medicine Center
Viking Lakes Campus
2805 Vikings Circle, Eagan
Transportation Provided

The TriDistrict Business and Entrepreneurship Program is an excellent opportunity for students to gain a broad understanding of the wide­ranging aspects of the world of business, as well as to develop their own entrepreneurial mindset as they learn the rigors and rewards of being your own boss. Students learn first-hand from business leaders in our communities and region the careers that exist in the business sector, and what it takes to succeed in areas including, but not limited to finance, marketing, sales, management, entrepreneurship, advertising, and many more. Along the way, students will learn the professional skills that support success in the work environment and practice these skills as they develop a professional resume, digital profile, and engage in practice interviews, site visits, and guest presentations. Students will also earn an English credit for this course as they improve their writing, reading, presentation and other communication skills through a variety of materials and activities.

In the second semester, students put what they've learned to the test as they enter into an internship experience with a business partner. This internship will provide students the opportunity to deepen their learning into an area of particular interest; it can also be an opportunity to partner with an area entrepreneur and learn more about the successes and challenges of owning your own business.

Location:
Evolve Workplace
260 Wentworth Ave E, St. Paul, MN 55118
Transportation Provided

In Computer Science & Information Technology students develop the professional skills and the technical knowledge needed to explore multiple areas of information technology, computer science, and the affiliated fields that drive the IT/CS industry. Discover a vast array of specialty areas available in technology careers where professionals utilize technology to solve business problems and design products. Immerse yourself in a professional environment while you tackle and solve real-world problems. Students who successfully complete this course will earn HS credits for AP Computer Science A, and have the opportunity to take the AP exam. Currently, students are also able to earn their Google IT Support Professional Certificate.

A Career and College Readiness pathway is offered in the field of Urban Education. Future teachers in the program learn how to use the diversity of urban schools to set students up for success in school and in life. The collaboration is between SSPPS and Metropolitan State University (MSU). Students will learn from current MSU professors and SSPPS teachers and gain valuable in-class experience throughout the South St. Paul School District.

The first half of the course is dialogue set up between the students and professors about real topics facing our education system today. They will learn how to feel comfortable having difficult conversations that may not have a clear and concise answer. The first half of the year sets students up to think along the lines of an educator. The second half of the year is spending time in a classroom seeing how their conversations play out in real life.

Credits and Skills Earned

Students will learn the professional skills that support success in the work environment. Students will earn six college credits and complete the first two required classes towards a State of Minnesota Teacher Certification. The first is Education 200: Introduction to Urban Education and Reflective Teaching. The second is Education 203: Multicultural Education. Students will also earn an English credit for this course as they improve their writing, reading, presentation and other communication skills through a variety of materials and activities.

Location:
South St. Paul Secondary Building

This exciting interdisciplinary course dives into the world where food systems, sustainability, natural resources, and chemistry collide. Explore the science behind growing food, managing resources responsibly, and building a thriving community – through the lens of soil, area and water chemistry.

This chart can help students prepare for their future after high school based on the recommended amount of core subjects needed for each journey.

Career and Technical Education

Career and Technical Education (CTE) at SSP High School offers hands-on learning and industry-aligned programs that prepare students for success in today’s workforce. Through real-world experiences and specialized courses, CTE develops technical skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities. Whether students aim to enter the job market after graduation or pursue further education, CTE equips them with the tools and confidence to thrive in a competitive, evolving global economy.

Location: SSP High School

Instructors: SSP Staff

Grade Weighting: Not weighted

Earning College Credit: Possible college credit and other certifications depending on the class

Scheduling: Normal school day

Qualifications: Classes may have prerequisites

Transfer of College Credits: No transfer of college credits

Cost: FREE

How to get started: Take a class in one of the pathways

Concurrent enrollment

SSP High School offers concurrent enrollment courses for students seeking a college-level experience. Taught by our own high school teachers at SSP High School, these courses allow students to earn both high school and college credits through partnerships with accredited institutions, providing a head start on their college journey.

Location: SSP High School

Instructors: SSP Staff

Grade Weighting: Not weighted on the SSP transcript

Earning College Credit: The high school teacher submits the final grade directly to the college, earning the student both high school and college credit

Scheduling: Integrated into the regular school day

Qualifications: The partner college sets the eligibility requirements for concurrent enrollment, ensuring that students meet the necessary criteria to earn college credit

Transfer of College Credits: Students notify their college of attendance about the college credits earned in high school. The receiving college determines how these credits will transfer. Transferology.com is a helpful tool for estimating credit transfers.

Cost: FREE

How to get started: Register for the desired class(es)

International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program

SSP High School offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (DP) for grades 11 and 12, a rigorous academic curriculum recognized worldwide. The DP emphasizes creativity, innovation, self-discipline, teamwork, and cultural understanding. Through a common pre-university curriculum and standardized exams, students gain an international education that prepares them for success in a global society.

Location: SSP High School

Instructors: SSP Staff

Grade Weighting: ARE weighted on the SSP transcript, giving students additional academic credit for their participation in the rigorous IB program

Earning College Credit: Students may earn college credit based on their IB test scores taken in the spring of senior year. Students must send their IB scores to their chosen college, where the institution evaluates them for credit eligibility.

Scheduling: Integrated into the regular school day

Qualifications: No specific qualifications are required, but taking enriched courses in the subject is highly recommended. Students should consult their teachers for guidance and preparation.

Transfer of College Credits: Students submit their IB test scores to their college, which evaluates them to determine how they will be applied toward college credit. The awarding of credit may vary based on the college’s policies and the student’s performance.

Cost: IB tests typically cost $20 per exam. Students who apply and qualify for Educational Benefits may be eligible for a reduced fee

How to get started: Register for IB class(es)

Learn more about the IB Diploma here