Executive Director Message
As the newly appointed Executive Director of College and Career Advantage (CCA), I am excited for the opportunity to serve students in the Capistrano and Laguna Beach Unified School Districts. Throughout my years of service in education, I have witnessed incredible growth in our Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. CTE stands at the forefront of contemporary education, offering specialized training that prepares students for the workforce. CTE empowers students with specialized skills and hands-on knowledge that seamlessly align with the dynamic needs of today's industries. This approach enhances employability and fosters economic growth and innovation.
Each year, our programs engage approximately 17,000 middle and high school students in the districts we serve, marking the highest participation among Orange County’s Regional Occupational Programs (ROPs). CCA offers 26 pathways across 15 industry sectors, providing our students with abundant opportunities to pursue their passions, connect their learning to real-world applications, and lay a solid foundation for their future. Our Adult Education Programs provide relevant training for over 265 adult students each year in the medical field, with 100% of our students participating in internships and a high percentage gaining employment in the field of health care.
CCA is one of the few ROPs to win a Golden Bell Award! One hundred percent of our courses are UC a-g approved and over 3,000 students each year earn college credit through articulation and dual enrollment. We facilitate internships for over 1,000 students annually with over 300 business and industry partners. CTE empowers students to pursue meaningful careers, drive innovation, and build a brighter future for generations to come.
It is my privilege to serve as the Executive Director of College and Career Advantage. I look forward to building on the incredible history and accomplishments established over the past 54 years. On behalf of the CCA Board, teachers and staff, I wish everyone a successful 2024-25 school year.
Chris Carter
Executive Director, College and Career Advantage
