High school career academies are a time-tested model for improving academic outcomes and preparing students for both college and careers. Career academies (1) are smaller learning communities taught by a team of interdisciplinary teachers, (2) provide a rigorous academic curriculum based on a career theme that demonstrates how knowledge is used and applied in career fields, and (3) partner with colleges and employers to provide opportunities for dual enrollment, internships, and increased mentoring by adults. With a strong research base, career academies have been shown to have positive impacts on attendance, earned credits, and high school graduation and college attendance rates. Additionally, participation in a career academy increased post-high school employment rates and earnings, particularly for at-risk young men. Career academies are also unique by having created National Standards of Practice that guide the model's continuous improvement. This publication provides an overview of career academies along with policy recommendations to expand the model. (Contains 15 endnotes.) [This paper was commissioned by the National Career Academy Coalition.]