P-TECH
Purpose of P-TECH
The Texas Education Agency’s (TEA) Pathways in Technology Early College High Schools (P-TECH) initiative offers an open-enrollment program that creates workforce pathways aligned with high-demand, high-wage fields throughout the state. Students enrolled in the P-TECH program work toward an associate degree while gaining hands-on work experience.
Texas P-TECH programming is inspired by the national effort to refine career and technical education. Industry and IHE partnerships with P-TECH campuses ensure that students graduate college- and career-ready. Business and industry partners provide career mentoring, host site visits, offer paid internships to enrolled students, and serve on advisory councils to improve alignment of programming with workforce needs.
Students who graduate from the P-TECH program enter the workforce with proven, in-demand skillsets, making them top candidates in their chosen industry. High-growth industries in Texas include:
- Petroleum Refining and Chemical Products
- Energy
- Health Care, Biotechnology, and Life Sciences
- Advanced Technologies and Manufacturing
- Information and Computer Technology
- Aerospace, Aviation, and Defense
- Education and Training
- Construction
- Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics
Program Distinctions
- Reduces barriers to college access
- Allows students to earn 60+ hours of college credit at no cost
- Creates a seamless transition from high school through college and into employment through local partnerships with institutions of higher education and industry
- Provides academic and social support services through dedicated staff
- Develops critical soft skills needed for college and career success
- Provides work-based learning experiences at every grade level, including internships, apprenticeships, and other job training programs
- Enables students to earn an industry certificate or two-year postsecondary credential
School Profile
Rose M. Avalos prepares students for high-demand careers.
P-TECH Interactive Blueprint
The TEA developed a roadmap of benchmarks, design elements, and products essential to the P-TECH model’s success. The P-TECH Blueprint also outlines student success metrics, Outcomes-Based Measures, that will be taken into consideration for state designation.