New and Expanded College and Career Pathways Open Districtwide

Cincinnati Public Schools is expanding and introducing new opportunities for students to earn college credit, gain industry credentials and build real-world experience, while staying enrolled at their home CPS school.

For the 2026-27 school year, CPS is offering limited districtwide seats in four new or expanded College and Career Pathways:

• Entrepreneurship at Woodward Career Technical High School (Career Pathway)
• Zoo Academy at Cincinnati Zoo (Career Pathway)
• College Innovation Pathway (CIP) with the University of Cincinnati (College Pathway)
• Automotive Undercar Technician Certificate at Cincinnati State

These programs provide tuition-free college coursework or industry-recognized credentials and create accelerated pathways to high-demand careers. 

Applications are open. Applications for the Zoo Academy, College Innovation Pathway and Entrepreneurship programs will close Monday, March 9. Applications for the Automotive program will close Wednesday, February 25. Eligible students will be selected at random to fill districtwide seats. A waitlist will be available. 

A program overview, eligibility criteria, open house dates and applications links are available below. Please contact your school counselor for more information. 

Automotive 

The Automotive Undercar Technician Certificate prepares students for starting or advancing their career in the automotive service industry as a brake, suspension, steering and alignment technician. Students will attend a half day of classes at Cincinnati State Technical and Community College. 

Eligibility: Current 11th grade students (who will be 12th grade students in the 2026-27 school year) with state College Credit Plus (CCP) eligibility* and scheduling space for two CCP courses on-site at Cincinnati State per semester. 10 districtwide seats available. 

*State eligibility requires a minimum 2.75 GPA with a B or higher in both English and Math or a 3.0 GPA.

Open House: Wednesday, February 18 - 4-5 p.m. (Virtual)

Watch Here

Applications close Wednesday, February 25, 2026. 

Learn More 

Apply 

 

College Innovation Pathway (CIP) 

The College Innovation Pathway (CIP) with the University of Cincinnati provides an accelerated, tuition-free pathway to college, offering an innovation blend of high school and college coursework. Upon successful completion of the three-year pathway, students graduate with their high school diploma and an Associate of Arts or an Associate of Science degree, vastly expanding their career opportunities and paving the way for further educational pursuits, including bachelor's degrees and beyond. Students enroll in at least three CCP courses at their home school, and attend UC Blue Ash or UC Uptown for the second and third years of the program. 

Eligibility: Current 9th grade students (who will be 10th grade students in the 2026-27 school year) with state College Credit Plus (CCP) eligibility* and scheduling space for a minimum of three CCP courses. 40 districtwide seats available. 

*State eligibility requires a minimum 2.75 GPA with a B or higher in both English and Math or a 3.0 GPA.

Open Houses: 

Thursday, February 12 - 4-5 p.m. (Virtual)

Watch Here

Thursday, February 19 - 5-6 p.m. (Virtual)

Watch Here

Applications close Monday, March 9, 2026.

Learn More

Apply 

 

Entrepreneurship 

The Career and Technical Education (CTE) Entrepreneurship Pathway at Woodward Career Technical High School helps students build business, academic and professional skills while earning high school credits. Students will gain business and startup fundamentals, marketing and branding skills, financial literacy and leadership development and engage in real-world projects and presentations. Students will attend two courses at the end of each day at Woodward. 

Eligibility: Current 10th grade students (who will be 11th grade students in the 2026-27 school year) with scheduling space for CTE courses. 10 districtwide seats available. 

Open Houses: 

Wednesday, February 18 - 4-6 p.m. (In-person)
Woodward Career Technical High School 
7005 Reading Road
Cincinnati, Ohio 45237

Wednesday, February 25 - 4-6 p.m. (Virtual)

Watch Here

Applications close Monday, March 9, 2026.

Apply 

 

Zoo Academy

The Zoo Academy, held at the Cincinnati Zoo, helps students build skills related to all aspects of animal science. Students receive hands-on experience working in animal and plant conservation and care. 

Eligibility: Current 10th grade students (who will be 11th grade students in the 2026-27 school year) with scheduling space for CTE courses. 10 districtwide seats available. 

Open Houses: 

Thursday, February 12 - 4-5 p.m. (Virtual)
Watch Here

Thursday, February 19 - 4-6 p.m. (In-person)
Cincinnati Zoo Education Building 
3400 Vine Street 
Cincinnati, Ohio 45220

Applications close Monday, March 9, 2026.

Learn More 

Apply