New AP Program at SPHS Teaches Students On-the-Job Skills

Career Kickstart program blends real-world experience and personal finance education to prepare students for the modern workforce.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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A new AP program called Career Kickstart is being introduced at San Pasqual High School in Escondido, California. Developed by College Board, the program aims to help students gain important career-based education and on-the-job experience through internships at local businesses. The program was recently highlighted at a press conference attended by school officials, the mayor, and students involved in the pilot.

Why it matters

The Career Kickstart program is designed to address the gap between high school graduates' career readiness and the skills employers are seeking. According to a College Board survey, 84% of hiring managers say most high school students are not prepared to enter the workforce, and 80% believe today's graduates are less prepared than previous generations. Courses like Career Kickstart aim to make high school students more ready to transition into the modern workforce.

The details

The Career Kickstart class at San Pasqual High School is taught by teacher Amber Vanderwarker and blends real-world experience and personal finance education. Students in the program have been interning at local businesses in a variety of fields, including a party supply store, the mayor's office, and a law office. Next year, College Board plans to add two more AP courses to the program - AP Business with Personal Finance and AP Cybersecurity - to further build students' professional career skills.

  • The Career Kickstart program was recently introduced at San Pasqual High School.
  • Next year, College Board will be adding two more AP courses to the program - AP Business with Personal Finance and AP Cybersecurity.

The players

Amber Vanderwarker

The teacher who instructs the Career Kickstart class at San Pasqual High School.

Dane White

The mayor of Escondido, California, who provided an intern for the Career Kickstart program.

Jennifer Mulhern

The vice president of AP access and implementation for College Board, the organization that developed the Career Kickstart program.

Cory Gregory

The principal of San Pasqual High School, where the Career Kickstart program is being piloted.

Martin Casas

The assistant superintendent for educational services who spoke at the press conference about the Career Kickstart program.

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What they’re saying

“First, congratulations to San Pasqual! It is my understanding they are trailblazers of this program. I am even more excited that the city of Escondido, and my office specifically gets to be a part of this critical work. I have an intern who is working with me and we're just really proud to be a part of this.”

— Dane White, Mayor (times-advocate.com)

“Eighty four percent of hiring managers say most high school students are not prepared to enter the workforce, and 80% believe today's graduates are less prepared than previous generations. High school graduates with an industry-recognized credential are seen as far more prepared (71% vs. 40%), 94% of hiring managers prioritize critical thinking and problem-solving; 96% say financial literacy is essential for young professionals, and 92% believe there should be more business courses in high school.”

— Jennifer Mulhern, Vice President of AP Access and Implementation, College Board (times-advocate.com)

What’s next

Next year, College Board will be adding two more AP courses to the Career Kickstart program - AP Business with Personal Finance and AP Cybersecurity.

The takeaway

The Career Kickstart program at San Pasqual High School is a pioneering effort to better prepare high school students for the modern workforce by providing them with real-world work experience and career-focused education. As more schools adopt similar programs, it could help bridge the gap between what employers need and what high school graduates can offer.