Career and Technical Education: Earning College Credits While in High School

Get a head start and complete your college requirements sooner. Students Occupationally and Academically Ready (SOAR) is a program that allows CTE students enrolled in a PA-approved program of study to receive free college credits upon completion of their CTE program. SOAR programs lead students into a career pathway that align high school courses to a college program to complete a degree or certificate. Local high schools also have CTE programs for which students can earn college credits while still in high school.

What is a SOAR program?

These CTE programs (at the state or local high school level) Also called Programs of Study, (POS), SOAR programs articulate skills and tasks gained at the high school level to college credits that can go towards a college degree or certificate program. SOAR programs are connected to “high-priority” occupations, which means they are usually high-demand occupations with high wages.

State-level SOAR programs last three years beginning in 10th grade and consist of 1,080 total hours of instruction. They are competency-based and require that students complete and pass assessments to demonstrate their proficiency.

The College has local agreements with the School District of Philadelphia and with Universal Audenreid Charter High School. These are either SOAR programs that are articulated for fewer than nine credits or they are shorter SOAR-like programs that have been aligned with some courses at Community College of Philadelphia.

Why should I enroll in a SOAR/CTE program?
Specific SOAR/CTE programs may help students:
  • Earn college credits, which means you can finish your degree sooner
  • Save money on college tuition since you would have already completed some required courses
  • Prepare for entering the job market with college- and career-ready skills
  • Choose the best career pathway for you
What do I have to do to earn free CTE credits at Community College of Philadelphia?

You should meet with your high school guidance counselor to review the following requirements.

  • Earn a high school diploma
  • Achieve a minimum 2.75 GPA in your Career and Technical Education core courses
  • Complete the high school component of the approved PDE Program of Study
  • Achieve “competent” or “advanced” level on the NOCTI, the high school end-of-year assessment for a SOAR/CTE program.
  • Achieve proficiency on all tasks in the approved task list for the SOAR/CTE program.
  • Have your high school submit the necessary paperwork to Community College of Philadelphia.
    • Completed SOAR/local CTE program applications must be submitted by the Office of Career and Technical Education at the School District of Philadelphia to traneval@ccp.edu for processing.
  • Apply to Community College of Philadelphia
What documentation is required for college credits?

The Office of Career and Technical Education at the School District of Philadelphia submits student application packets to Community College of Philadelphia. This packet should include:

  • Copy of high school diploma
  • Official student transcript
  • Perkins Statewide Articulation Agreement Coversheet or a coversheet for a local program articulation
  • Secondary competency task list (make sure your secondary-school technical instructor signs it)
  • PA Certificate of Competency or PA Skills Certificate from CTE program area or local certificate
  • Earned industry certifications (if applicable)
How many Community College of Philadelphia credits can I earn?
The number of credits depends on the program and if it is a statewide SOAR program (which must be at least nine credits) or a state-level program for fewer than nine credits, or a CTE program from the School District of Philadelphia or Universal Audenreid Charter High School. The number of credits can range from 3 to 15. In order to receive the credits, you must enroll in a related program at Community College of Philadelphia.
How long do I have to submit documentation to earn college credit?
You have up to 16 months after your graduation date to earn the free CTE credits. Even if you have already graduated or it has been longer than 16 months, you should contact your high school to have the necessary documentation submitted by the Philadelphia School District or Universal Audenreid Charter High School.
Where can I get more information about the SOAR program?

More information is available at the Philadelphia School District’s site and the PA Department of Education site (listed below)
School District of Philadelphia’s Office of Career and Technical Education
School District of Philadelphia’s Articulation/College Credit Information
Contact the School District of Philadelphia’s Office of Career and Technical Education
PA Department of Education Programs of Study
PA Department of Education Programs of Study Framework

SOAR Programs at Community College of Philadelphia

State-Level SOAR Programs as of May 2022

High School SOAR
Program of Study (POS)
Community College of
Philadelphia Program(s)
Community College of
Philadelphia Courses
POS 10D –
Automobile/Automotive
Mechanics Technology/ Technician 47.0604
(HS Graduation Years 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024)
Automotive Technology AAS
Automotive Service I
Proficiency Certificate
AT 111 - Auto Suspen & Steer (4 credits)
AT 121 - Auto Elec & Elec Sys (3 credits)
AT 150 - Automotive Braking Systems (2 credits)
Total: 9 credits
POS 12D – Computer
Systems Networking
And Telecommunications 11.0901
(HS Graduation Years 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024)
Network
Administration AAS
Computer Information Systems –
Information Technology AAS
CIS 103 – Computer Applications and Concepts (3 credits)
CIS 105 - Computer Systems Maintenance (4 credits)
CIS 150 - Network Technology (4 credits)
Total: 11 credits
POS 26D – Computer
Technology/Computer
Systems Technology
15.1202
(HS Graduation Years 2020, 2021, 2022)
Computer Information
Systems - Information
Technology AAS
CIS 103 - Computer Applications and Concepts (3 credits)
CIS 105 - Computer Systems Maintenance (4 credits)
CIS 150 - Network Technology (4 credits)
Total: 11 credits
POS 36D – Computer Technology/Technicians & Support Services 
10.9999 
(HS Graduation Years 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024)
Photography AAS 
Digital Video Production AAS 
CIS 103 - Computer Applications and Concepts (3 credits) 
PHOT 104 - Introduction to Video Production (3 credits) 
PHOT 105 - Introduction to Digital Photography (4 credits)  
Total: 10 credits 
POS 42C – Criminal Justice/Police Science 43.0107
(HS Graduation Years 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024)
Criminal Justice AAS JUS 101 – Survey of Criminal Justice (3 credits)
JUS 235 – American Correctional Institutions (3 credits)
JUS 261 – Criminal Evidence and Procedure (3 credits)
Total: 9 credits

 

Please note that if a SOAR program is or was for fewer than 9 credits, the articulation appears in the table(s) for local articulations with the School District of Philadelphia and/or Universal Audenried Charter High School.

 

Philadelphia School District CTE Programs of Study as of May 2021(HS Graduation Years 2021, 2022 and 2023)

Philadelphia School
District Program
Community College of
Philadelphia Program(s)
Community College of
Philadelphia Courses

CIP Code 47.0703 Solar Energy System Installation and Repair Technology/Technician

Applied Science and Engineering Technology AAS (through 2020-21)
Applied Engineering Technology AAS (beginning Fall 2021)
GNEL 1X1 Solar Energy I: Energy System through Solar Installation (3 credits)
GNEL 1X2 Solar Energy II: Solar Maintenance and Operation through Prepare and Maintain Tools/Equipment (3 credits)
GNEL 1X3 Solar Energy III: Math and Literacy Computer Technical Skills through Vehicle Use (3 credits)
Total: 9 credits

CIP Code 52.1095 Tourism and Travel Services Marketing Operations – 3 Year Program

Tourism and Hospitality Management AAS
Tourism and Hospitality Management Proficiency Certificate
THM 110 Introduction to the Hospitality Industry (3 credits)
THM 112 Introduction to Tourism (3 credits)
Total: 6 credits

CIP Code 19.0905 Fashion Design – 3 Year Program

Fashion Merchandising and Marketing AAS
Fashion Retail Sales and Customer Service Proficiency Certificate
FMM 101 Survey of the Fashion Industry (3 credits)
FMM 105 Textiles (3 credits)
FMM135 Fashion Product Promotion (3 credits)
Total: 9 credits

CIP Code 50.0602 Film and Video Production – 3 Year Program

Photographic Imaging AAS
Digital Video Production AAS
Digital Imaging Proficiency Certificate
Digital Video Production Proficiency Certificate
PHOT 104 Introduction to Video Production (3 credits)

CIP Code 52.0302 Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping – 3 Year SOAR Program

Accounting AAS
Accounting Paraprofessional Proficiency Certificate
ACCT 101 Financial Accounting (4 credits)
ACCT 103 Microcomputers in Accounting (3 credits)
Total: 7 credits

CIP Code 11.0901 Computer Systems Networking And Telecommunications – 3 Year SOAR Program

Cybersecurity AAS
Web Development I Proficiency Certificate
CIS 103 Applied Computer Technology (3 credits)
CIS 150 Network Technology (4 credits)
Total: 7 credits

CIP Code 12.0508 Institutional Food Workers – 3 Year SOAR Program

Culinary Arts AAS
Culinary Arts I Proficiency Certificate
CULA 161 Foodserv Safety & Sanitation (2 credits)
CULA 170 Elm Food Prep (4 credits)
(requires Serve Safe Manager industry certification)
Total: 6 credits
CIP Code 12.0501 Baking and Pastry Arts/Baker/Pastry Chef – 3 Year SOAR Program Culinary Arts AAS
Culinary Arts I Proficiency Certificate
CULA 151 Elementary Baking and Pastry (4 credits)
CULA 161 Food Service Safety and Sanitation (2 credits)
(requires Serve Safe Manager industry certification)
Total: 6 credits

CIP 51.9999 Health Related Technology – 3 Year SOAR Program

Health Care Studies AA
Medical Assistant Proficiency Certificate
Patient Service Representative Proficiency Certificate
AH 116 Interpersonal and Professional Skills in Health Care (3 credits)

CIP 15.1303 Drafting & Design Technology – 3 Year Program

Architecture AA
Interior Design AA
Facilities Management AAS
Construction Management AAS
Architectural Visualization Proficiency Certificate

ADC 103 CAD Basic (3 credits)

CIP 1.0401 Food Processing Sciences   – 3 Year Program and Industry Certification

  • ServSafe Manager
  • ServSafe Food Handler

 

Culinary Arts AAS
Culinary Arts I Proficiency Certificate

CULA 161 Food Service Safety and Sanitation (2 credits)

CIP 12.0501 Baking and Pastry Arts Management – Industry Certification

  • ServSafe Food Handler
  • ServSafe Manager
Culinary Arts AAS
Culinary Arts I Proficiency Certificate

CULA 161 Food Service Safety and Sanitation (2 credits)

CIP 12.0508 Culinary Arts – Industry Certification

  • ServSafe Food Handler
  • ServSafe Manager
Culinary Arts AAS
Culinary Arts I Proficiency Certificate

CULA 161 Food Service Safety and Sanitation (2 credits)

CIP 52.0401 Business Administration – Industry Certification

  • Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) 2010 (Word, Excel or PowerPoint)

 

Business-General AA
Business Leadership AAS
Accounting AAS
American Sign Language/English Interpreting AAS
Applied Science and Engineering Technology AAS (through 2020-21)
Applied Engineering Technology AAS (beginning Fall 2021)
Behavioral Health/Human Services AAS
Computer Information Systems - Information Technology AAS
Criminal Justice AAS
Cybersecurity AAS
Digital Video Production AAS
Fashion Merchandising & Marketing AAS
Fire Science AAS
Health Care Studies AA
Human Services Academic Certificate
Network Technology Management and Administration AAS
Network & Systems Administration Proficiency Certificate
Paralegal Studies AAS
Photographic Imaging AAS
Recovery and Transformation Academic Certificate
Tourism and Hospitality Management AA
Web Development I Proficiency Certificate

CIS 103 Applied Computer Technology (3 credits)

 

CIP 52.1801 Sports Marketing & Management – Industry Certification

  • Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) 2010 (Word, Excel or PowerPoint)
Business-General AA
Business Leadership AAS
Accounting AAS
American Sign Language/English Interpreting AAS
Applied Science and Engineering Technology AAS (through 2020-21)
Applied Engineering Technology AAS (beginning Fall 2021)
Behavioral Health/Human Services AAS
Computer Information Systems - Information Technology AAS
Criminal Justice AAS
Cybersecurity AAS
Digital Video Production AAS
Fashion Merchandising & Marketing AAS
Fire Science AAS
Health Care Studies AA
Human Services Academic Certificate
Network Technology Management and Administration AAS
Network & Systems Administration Proficiency Certificate
Paralegal Studies AAS
Photographic Imaging AAS
Recovery and Transformation Academic Certificate
Tourism and Hospitality Management AA
Web Development I Proficiency Certificate

CIS 103 Applied Computer Technology (3 credits)

CIP 11.0901 Computer Systems Networking– Industry Certification

  • Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA)
  • CompTIA Network +

 

Computer Information Systems - Information Technology AAS
Network Technology Management and Administration AAS
Network & Systems Administration Proficiency Certificate

CIS 150 Network Technology (4 credits)
CIS 105 Computer Systems Maintenance (4 credits)
Total: 8 credits

CIP 15.1202 Computer Supports Systems Technology – Industry Certification

  • CompTIA IT Fundamentals
    A+
Computer Information Systems - Information Technology AAS
Network Technology Management and Administration AAS
Network & Systems Administration Proficiency Certificate
Biomedical Equipment Technology I Proficiency Certificate

CIS 105 Computer Systems Maintenance (4 credits)

CIP 11.0801 Web Page, Digital/Multimedia and Information Resources Design - 3 Year Program

Computer Information Systems - Information Technology AAS
Web Development I Proficiency Certificate

CIS 130 Web Page Design I (3 credits)

 

Universal Audenreid Charter High School CTE Programs as of May 2021 (HS Graduation Years 2021, 2022 and 2023)

Universal Audenried Charter High School Community College of Philadelphia Program(s) Community College of Philadelphia Courses
CIP 12.0508 Institutional Food Worker – 3 Year Program

Culinary Arts AAS

Culinary Arts I Proficiency Certificate

CULA 161 Food Service Safety and Sanitation (2 credits)

CULA 170 Elementary Food Preparation, Principles, and Practices (4 credits)

Total: 6 credits

CIP 51.9999 Health Related Technology – 3 Year Program

Health Care Studies AA

Medical Assistant Proficiency Certificate

Patient Service Representative Proficiency Certificate

AH 116 Interpersonal and Professional Skill in Health Care (3 credits)
CIP 50.0402 Commercial and Advertising Art – 3 Year Program

Art and Design AA

Liberal Arts AA

Photographic Imaging AAS

ART 150 Introduction to Computer Art/Graphic (3 credits)

PHOT 105 Introduction to Digital Photography, Contingent on portfolio review by Community College of Philadelphia Photographic Imaging faculty (4 credits)

Total: 7 credits