AUSTIN – Commissioner of Education Mike Morath announced today that the Texas Education Agency (TEA) has awarded 35 Pathways in Technology Early College High Schools (P-TECH) and Industry Cluster Innovative Academies (ICIA) planning and success grants.

Pathways in Technology Early College High Schools (P-TECH) and Industry Cluster Innovative Academies (ICIA) are innovative, open-enrollment schools that provide students with a seamless path from high school to postsecondary education to employment. P-TECH and ICIA schools form critical partnerships with local business and industry based on the economic needs in their local areas. These schools enable students in grades 9 through 12 (and up to two additional years) to combine high school and postsecondary courses. At every grade level, students engage in work-based education through internships, apprenticeships or other forms of job training programs. 

P-TECH and ICIA Success Grants will provide support to schools that currently serve students in a P-TECH/ICIA program and that will spend the grant period expanding their current program.

The 14 school systems (and designated campuses) receiving a success grant include: Austin ISD (Crockett High School); Dallas ISD (L.G. Pinkston High School, Seagoville High School, South Oak Cliff High School, Wilmer-Hutchins High School); Duncanville ISD (Duncanville High School); Elgin ISD (Elgin High School); Greenville ISD (Greenville High School); Laredo ISD (Dr. Leonides G. Cigarroa High School); Pioneer Technology & Arts Academy (Greenville Campus, Mesquite Campus); Richardson ISD (multiple campuses); Roscoe Collegiate ISD (Roscoe Collegiate High School); and San Diego ISD (San Diego Early College High School).

P-TECH and ICIA Planning Grants will provide support for schools seeking to establish a brand-new P-TECH or ICIA program and will spend the grant period planning to serve students in a P-TECH or ICIA program beginning in 2019-2020 school year.

The 21 school systems (and designated campuses) receiving a success grant include: Austin ISD (Lanier High School); Brooks County ISD (Falfurrias High School); Brownsville ISD (Homer Hanna Early College High School, Porter Early College High School); Everman ISD (Everman Collegiate High School); Fort Worth ISD (Tarrant Community College South Collegiate High School); Fruitvale ISD (Fruitvale High School); Kirbyville CISD (Kirbyville High School); Lytle ISD (Lytle High School); Midland ISD (Midland High School); Monte Alto ISD (Monte Alto Early College High School); Odem-Edroy ISD (Odem High School); Pioneer Technology & Arts Academy (Fate Campus – Rockwall County); Priority Charter Schools (Cedar Park Charter Academy, Copperas Cove Charter Academy, Temple Charter Academy); Richardson ISD (J.J. Pearce High School, Lake Highlands ISD); San Antonio ISD (Sam Houston High School; San Felipe Del Rio CISD (Del Rio High School); and San Saba ISD (San Saba High School).

P-TECH and ICIA planning and success grants are funded through the Texas Education Agency and the Texas Workforce Commission. The grant program aligns with the goals of Governor Greg Abbott’s Tri-Agency initiative, a collaboration between the Texas Education Agency, Texas Workforce Commission and Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

The promotion and growth of P-TECH and ICIA models in Texas public schools was a recommendation in the first Tri-Agency report submitted to the governor in November 2016. To read a PDF copy of that report, visit http://www.twc.state.tx.us/files/partners/tri-agency-report-office-governor-twc.pdf.

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