Milton Hershey School - Career and Technical Education Program

Milton Hershey School’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) program blends classroom instruction from industry professionals with hands-on career experiences. Students gain technical skills, real-world practice, and confidence through internships, co-ops, and certifications—graduating prepared for college, the workforce, and life.

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MHS student at her internship with the Hershey Company

Preparing for the Future

The CTE program prepares students to pursue a path that reflects their passions, talents, and future goals. The program combines tailor-made instruction and hands-on learning with the ability to gain certifications and real-life experience through internships, co-ops, and pre-apprenticeships. Learn more about this hallmark MHS program.

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CTE Program Areas

Discover the 10 CTE program areas and their pathways.

High school students collecting fruit in a greenhouse

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Automotive Technology

Business

Computer Technology

Construction/Carpentry

Culinary Arts

Education and Human Services

Engineering

Health Science

MHS student sitting at the judge's bench in the LPSS classroom

Law, Public Safety, and Security

Early Exposure to Narrow Career Interests

CTE at MHS is a dynamic, student-centered journey that begins in elementary school and continues through graduation. Explore these stages below.

Elementary Division

Early career exploration is woven into both academic and Home Life settings, where students engage in hands-on learning experiences and discover diverse career paths through partnerships with MHS departments and the Hershey entities.

Elementary Division Academics

Middle Division

In Middle Division, students deepen their understanding through exploratory CTE courses that introduce all 10 CTE program areas, helping them identify personal interests and strengths.

Middle Division Academics

Senior Division

By Senior Division, students select a focused CTE program area and pathway aligned with their skills, aspirations, and life goals. Through rigorous academic and technical coursework, students earn industry-recognized credentials and gain real-world experience, ensuring students graduate with a clear sense of direction and placement aligned with their career and life goals.

Senior Division Academics

MHS students in the livestock barn with lambs

CTE By the Numbers

All students can earn state- and nationally-recognized certifications. Within our 10 program areas, students have 55 industry-recognized certifications to pursue.

158 seniors earned college credits during the 2024-25 school year
159 students in the Class of 2025 completed Spartan internships
195 members of the Class of 2025 gained authentic work experience through internships, co-ops, or pre-apprenticeships

MHS Fast Facts

Explore a Career and Technical Education Classroom

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Career and Technical Education Classroom

historical photo of an MHS student at wood shop

History and Foundation

Since 1909, MHS has focused on life skills that prepare students for meaningful careers. Trades have evolved with the times, but our commitment to career readiness remains strong. Inspired by his own apprenticeships, Milton Hershey built hands-on learning into the foundation of MHS education.

Hershey Community Partnerships

Hershey, Pennsylvania, embodies the One Hershey Vision, where Hershey community partners provide hands-on, career-focused experiences for MHS students. Each student completes an Authentic Work Experience tied to their CTE coursework. Hershey entities include:

Expert Instructors

Our CTE instructors bring real-world expertise to the classroom. From mechanics and chefs to health care and legal professionals, they share the skills and standards needed to succeed. They create hands-on, industry-grade learning environments—automotive labs, culinary kitchens, and more—so students gain practical experience for life after graduation.

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