This brief, the ninth in a series, explores issues and promising practices in paving career and technical education (CTE) pathways to high-STEM occupations--a key piece of the STEM college and career readiness puzzle. Other briefs focus on related parts of the puzzle, such as the role that math and science standards play in students' college and career readiness, providing rich STEM learning in preschool and out-of-school time programs, and strategies to ensure all students enjoy a successful STEM education. This brief offers examples of promising programs and recommendations for realizing the full potential of secondary CTE and community colleges in preparing students for college "and" careers.