Pathways in Technology Early College High Schools (P-TECH) are innovative open-enrollment high schools that allow students least likely to attend college an opportunity to receive both a high school diploma and a credential and/or an associate degree. The hallmark of the P-TECH model is its career focus and the provision of work-based education. P-TECH programs:
- Enroll historically underserved students, targeting at-risk and economically disadvantaged
- Provide students grade 9 through 12 the opportunity to complete a course of study that combines high school and post-secondary courses
- Enable students to earn a high school diploma, along with an associate degree, Level 1 or Level 2 certificate, or industry-based certification within six years
- Offer age-appropriate work-based learning opportunity in every grade level
- Allow students to gain work experience through an internship, apprenticeship, or other job training program
- Align to regional workforce needs, guiding students into high-demand, high-wage careers
- Partner with Texas Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) and regional businesses and industries, giving students access to post-secondary education and workforce training opportunities
The P-TECH Blueprint provides foundational principles and standards for innovative partnerships with colleges, universities, and industry. The P-TECH Blueprint contains six benchmarks outlining the design elements that each P-TECH campus must implement before serving students. Additionally, outcome-based measures in Access, Attainment, and Achievement provide guidance for P-TECH program implementation and continuous improvement efforts.