The foundation of the REC IX Career Education System is the School-to-Careers program. Established in 1997, this program is recognized by the U.S. School-to-Work Office as one of the Twelve Best Practices Sites in the nation.

Serving all students K-16, the School-to-Careers program prepares students at each grade level to focus on his or her own abilities and interests. This program combines classroom instruction and academic standards with "real world" applications to prepare students for employment and is based on a student portfolio system designed around the New Mexico Career Readiness Content Standards and Benchmarks. The primary components include: School-Based Learning, Work-Based Learning, and Connecting Activities.

School-Based Learning enables students to explore careers in a variety of occupations through classroom activities. Each student's program of study is based on high academic standards and skill standards using integrated job-related curriculum and career exploration. In this activity, student interests are matched with their classes.

Work-Based Learning allows students to experience work from a firsthand perspective. It is a planned program of job training or work experience through worksite involvement by both students and employers.

Connecting activities link School-Based Learning with Work-Based Learning through partnerships with business and industry.