Improve Your AP Grades Within One Semester
1. What is the AP Career Kickstart Program?
Advanced Placement (AP) Program
The Advanced Placement (AP) Program, developed by the College Board, offers high school students the opportunity to take college-level courses and exams. AP courses are designed to challenge students academically, allowing them to earn college credit, stand out in college admissions, and develop critical thinking skills. The program covers a wide range of subjects, including math, science, history, languages, and the arts. Scoring a 3 or higher (on a scale of 5) on the AP exam gives students the chance to earn credits for foundational college courses.
AP Career Kickstart Program
AP Career Kickstart is a new initiative designed by the College Board for its renowned AP Program. Targeting in-demand careers, AP Career Kickstart is designed to equip students with career-oriented skills and knowledge that prepare them for high-wage, high-growth jobs—whether they pursue a college degree or enter the workforce directly.
By partnering with employers, college faculty, and high school educators, the College Board is developing courses that blend college-level coursework with real-world career training. The program is launching with AP Business Principles/Personal Finance and AP Cybersecurity, with additional courses in health sciences and information technology under exploration. These courses aim to:
- Provide pathways to college credit.
- Offer industry-recognized credentials.
2. AP Business Principles/Personal Finance
Business knowledge is crucial for every industry and personal financial success. The AP Business Principles/Personal Finance course introduces students to key business concepts such as entrepreneurship, marketing, finance, accounting, and management. This full-year AP course is designed to meet the National Standards for Personal Financial Education.
The skills gained from this course are highly transferable whether students pursue careers in corporate settings, small businesses, or their own startups. Even for those not entering the financial field, financial literacy is a lifelong skill that empowers students to make smart money decisions right out of high school.
With its real-world applications and strong career connections, AP Business Principles/Personal Finance is a valuable addition to the AP program. It will help students build a foundation for future success in college, their careers, and beyond.
3. AP Cybersecurity
The cybersecurity industry has experienced tremendous growth in recent years, and the U.S. leads the global market in revenue.
As cyber threats continue to evolve, the demand for skilled professionals is higher than ever. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), some information security analyst roles can be pursued with just a high school diploma and relevant industry certifications, making cybersecurity an accessible and lucrative career path. The BLS also mentioned that some workers can pursue an information security analyst position with a high school diploma and relevant certifications.
Despite the increasing demand, less than 2% of high school students have access to cybersecurity education. To bridge this gap, the College Board is introducing two new AP Cybersecurity courses designed to equip students with essential skills for the field.
The following two courses are in the AP Cybersecurity pathway:
- AP Cybersecurity 1: Networking Fundamentals
- AP Cybersecurity 2: Cybersecurity Fundamentals
Throughout the courses, students will participate in monthly professional learning sessions, allowing them to engage with experts from diverse backgrounds. A five-day summer training program is also available to enhance hands-on learning and skill development.
Students participating in the pilot phase of the AP Cybersecurity courses from 2024 to 2026 will have access to training materials, test preparation resources, and exclusive benefits, including vouchers for the CompTIA certification exams. Earning such industry-recognized certifications can give students a competitive edge, whether they pursue higher education or enter the workforce directly after high school.
Enroll in Aralia’s AP Preparation Courses
4. Launch Timeline
According to the College Board, the AP Business Principles/Personal Finance and AP Cybersecurity courses will launch nationally in the 2026-2027 school year. The College Board has not yet specified a detailed plan for the launch of the AP Business Principles/Personal Finance course, while the pilot program for AP Cybersecurity will start this year.
You can see the pilot timeline of the new AP Cybersecurity courses below.
August/September 2025 | Pilot teachers selected by the College Board to launch AP Cybersecurity courses |
November 15, 2025 | Student deadline to register for the pilot AP Cybersecurity exam |
May 2026 | The AP Cybersecurity exam – end of pilot year |
2026-2027 school year | Nationwide launch of AP Cybersecurity |
The introduction of new AP courses explicitly designed for career preparation is excellent news for students looking to develop practical skills and get a head start on their future. These courses go beyond traditional AP offerings, which have primarily focused on college preparation and academic rigor, by equipping students with essential, real-world knowledge such as personal finance and industry-specific competencies. With these new initiatives, AP courses are expanding their impact—helping students to strengthen their college applications and gain valuable skills they can use throughout their lives. Whether pursuing a degree in computer science, entering the workforce directly, or exploring entrepreneurship, these career-focused AP courses provide students with meaningful opportunities to build a strong foundation for success.
Aralia’s Business and Finance Courses
If you’re a middle or high school student interested in exploring business and finance to prepare for advanced courses like AP Microeconomics, AP Macroeconomics, or the upcoming AP Business Principles/Personal Finance, check out Aralia’s programs. Our courses are designed by award-winning instructors with extensive experience teaching and in economic research. From foundational economic concepts to introductions to investing, our flexible online classes offer a world-class learning experience accessible anywhere in the world.
Intro to Investment – Focus on Crypto Currency
The group classes serve as an introduction to how to do research commonly used in economics, finance and investment. Students will become familiar with the concepts, methods, and applications of research and evaluation; learn how to critically consume and analyze research; and propose an appropriate research project to inform an important issue.
Introduction to Economics
This course is designed to give students a basic understanding of the fundamentals of Economics. Of all subjects learned in the secondary setting, the fundamental principles of economics are essential. Students will apply economic principles to everyday scenarios during this course. They instructor will assist students to think economically and make rational decisions.
