Career Clusters started in the U.S. Department of Education with many partners from education, business, industry and government. The 16 clusters represent groupings of occupations and industries that represent the world of work. They created the clusters based on common knowledge and skills.

Career Clusters have been embraced nationally at the secondary and post-secondary level. (The Department of Public Instruction has continued to work with high schools and is continuously improving strategies for Wisconsin schools.)

Career Clusters prepare students for the information age as schools, colleges, and employers are striving for higher achievement in science, math and communication for their 21st century workforce. One key to improving student achievement is providing students with relevant contexts for studying and learning. Career Clusters offer a context by linking school-based learning with the knowledge and skills required for continued success from high school to work or post-secondary education.

Students may use Career Clusters to investigate a wide range of career choices. The Career Cluster approach makes it easier for students to understand the relevance of their required courses and helps them select their elective courses more wisely.

Sometimes students struggle to find the relevance that coursework will have on their future. Too often students graduate unprepared for challenging careers and the rigors of continued learning. Elkhorn Area High School promotes student success by relating students' educational experiences to their future goals and aspirations. Seeing the relevance of education, more students may reach high levels of performance, thus closing the achievement gaps. 

ElkWorks Career Pathways

Career Clusters & Pathways

National Career Cluster Framework