By Jennifer Keller, IB Career-related Programme Coordinator, CTE Program Specialist, Westwood High School, Arizona, US.
When Westwood High School launched its International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (CP) at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the odds were far from ideal. The inaugural cohort faced not only the challenge of rigorous academic and career-related studies but also the uncertainty of a world in lockdown. Some students left the programme due to long-term illness in their families or relocations, while others hesitated to commit to such a demanding pathway in uncertain times.
Despite these rocky beginnings, Westwood’s CP held steady in its early years. Once the school community emerged from the pandemic’s shadow, momentum built quickly. Interest grew, applications increased, and by May 2025, the school celebrated its largest graduating cohort and highest certification success rate to date.
Keys to recent success
One of the biggest drivers of this growth has been intentional promotion. Teachers are encouraged to identify students who are seeking to challenge themselves, aiming for post-secondary success, or already excelling in certain subjects. This has been reinforced by our IB mentors club, where current CP and DP students share their own experiences with younger peers. These student-led conversations demystify the program and encourage students from all backgrounds to see themselves as capable of succeeding in IB.
Personalised learning, flexible pathways
CP students have flexibility in their schedules. While some choose a workload as rigorous as DP, others blend IB and non-IB courses to match their strengths. In Westwood High, a student might take HL English and HL History alongside Algebra II, leaning into their humanities skills while still progressing in math. This personalised approach ensures students can both challenge themselves and play to their strengths.
The CP experience is further enriched by 14 Career-related Study (CRS) options, aligned to Arizona’s Professional Skills Standards and IB’s Approaches to Learning. Westwood’s academy teaming model, grouping core teachers and CTE instructors by theme (STEM, Health Sciences, Public Service, Digital Media & Design), is creating a powerful integration of theory and application. This year marks the first time juniors are in this model, a step towards the school’s vision of “IB for all” within the academies.
Building community through mentorship and service
The IB Mentors club plays a vital role in building belonging for new students, many of whom come from across the district. Mentors help MYP learners navigate high school, host campus events like Shadow Days and IB Arcade Night, and take ownership of planning and execution.
CP students also shine in community engagement. A standout moment came during the IB Day of Service, when students worked alongside younger children at local elementary schools. From tutoring in ELA and math to spontaneous playground soccer games, the day fostered joy, connection, and mutual respect. These partnerships are now expanding, with CP seniors volunteering regularly as part of Community Engagement and DP Students as part of CAS portfolios.
Career readiness through practical opportunities
Partnerships with Honeywell, Boeing, Mayo Clinic, and other local organizations give CP students access to competitive internships. These placements expose students to both well-known and lesser-known career paths while building essential workplace skills and networks.
In addition, the Opportunity Outfitters boutique in-school initiative, launched last spring, ensures that all MPS seniors, regardless of income, can access professional attire for interviews and internships. CP students have been instrumental in running the boutique, from initial planning to ongoing operations.
Expanding access and looking ahead
Perhaps the most transformative impact of the CP is accessibility. At Westwood, IB is no longer seen as only for the “super smart kids.” Flexibility, teacher recommendations, and active outreach have made CP an attainable and appealing option for students who might not have considered honors-level work in the past.
Looking forward, Westwood aims to deepen IB-CTE collaboration and strengthen academy teams where CTE and academic teachers design connected, meaningful learning experiences. By keeping career pathways at the heart of CP, the programme will continue preparing students not just for graduation but for life.
Key takeaways
- Start Strong, even in uncertain times. The CP launched during COVID, weathered early challenges, and is now thriving through persistence and adaptability.
- Promotion and peer mentorship drive growth. Teacher recommendations and student-to-student outreach have been crucial in boosting enrolment and success.
- Flexibility enables personalised learning. CP allows students to tailor schedules to their strengths, making IB accessible to a wider range of learners.
- Community and career integration are essential. Community based projects, local partnerships, and internships connect learning to community needs and future careers.
- IB + CTE = Powerful Pathways. The academy model is creating a blueprint for blending academic rigor with career relevance. The CP serves as an enhancement to existing CTE programming.
