Jan. 19, 2021
What: SAISD to announce launch of three new P-TECH programs
District leads the San Antonio area in the number of these industry-focused programs
Who: Pedro Martinez, SAISD superintendent
Dr. Adena Williams-Loston, St. Philip's College president
Dr. Robert Vela Jr., San Antonio College president
Dr. Abel Gonzalez, UTSA COEHD director of instructional outreach programs
Patti Radle, SAISD board president
Christina Martinez, SAISD trustee
Romanita Matta-Barrera, executive director of workforce development, SAEDF
P-TECH coordinators for each new program
When: Jan. 19 (Tues) – 10 a.m.
Where: https://saisd.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_BrRXeH5vQKyWpaTrdgK8Bg
San Antonio ISD will announce the launch of three new Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) programs, bringing the total number of P-TECH programs in the District to five. Each new program, housed at the following high schools within the District, are accepting applications now for students entering the ninth grade in Fall 2021. Students from all over Bexar County may apply.
• Edison High School will feature a program on business fields, including marketing, accounting, finance and more.
• The program at Highlands High School will focus on aerospace, engineering, manufacturing and welding.
• Sidney Lanier High School will launch a program centered on construction science/technology and power generation and alternative energy.
When the Texas Legislature paved the way for school districts to work with the Texas Education Agency to launch P-TECH programs, SAISD was the first in the city and Bexar County to offer the open-enrollment, industry- and higher education-focused model to high school students across Bexar County. SAISD’s first P-TECH program centered on cybersecurity and has been housed at Sam Houston High School since 2018. In 2019, the second program rolled out at Fox Tech High School with pathways in registered nursing and other healthcare careers.
The concept is that each program concentrates on a high-demand, high-wage industry that is needed in its regional area. Under the model, within four to six years, students will be able to earn a high school diploma, an industry-specific associate degree, industry certification, and complete work-based training through internships, apprenticeships or other job-training programs.
The culture of a P-TECH school is built upon high expectations and a belief that all students can earn their college degrees. Students enter the program as ninth graders and, as part of the cohort model, advance each year together. Most importantly, from the moment students begin ninth grade, they see themselves as “college students” that are “on a career pathway.”
Each high school program works in cooperation with a higher-education partner and industry partners. For higher education, the P-TECH programs work with Alamo Colleges District's San Antonio College or St. Philip's College. Two local entities signed on as industry partners for all of SAISD's P-TECH programs: H-E-B and SA Works. Additional industry partners are listed below for each program.
Five P-TECH programs in SAISD
Edison P-TECH School of Business
High School P-TECH Coordinator: David Garcia
Higher Education Partner: San Antonio College
Industry Partners: H-E-B, Galan-Graphix, Tacit Growth Strategies
Future annual salary expectations: $54,923-$116,799
Students combine high school and college-level courses to earn a post-secondary degree or post-secondary credentials, including an Associate of Arts degree in Business Administration, Associate of Applied Science in Accounting Technology, or Level 1 Certificate. Students also will engage in work-based training through job shadow experiences, internships, and apprenticeships.
Website: https://schools.saisd.net/page/003.ptech
Follow: Twitter @EdisonPTECH / Instagram @EdisonPTECH / Facebook @EdisonPTECH
Fox Tech H-TECH Pathways in Healthcare
High School P-TECH Coordinator: Lynn Hernandez
Higher Education Partner: San Antonio College
Industry Partners: University Health System and Metropolitan Methodist Health System
Future annual salary expectations: $48,675-$272,239
Students will be able to earn their high school diploma as well as an Associate of Science degree and certification in Patient Care Technician or Pharmacy Technician. Students will also complete work-based training through internships and job-training programs.
Website: https://schools.saisd.net/page/004.htech
Follow: Twitter @Fox_Tech_HS / Facebook @FoxTechHS
Highlands P-TECH for Aerospace, Engineering, Manufacturing and Welding
High School P-TECH Coordinator: Michelle Garcia
Higher Education Partner: St. Philip’s College
Industry Partners: TX-FAME (Consortium of companies including H-E-B, Toyota, TTTX, CPS Energy, Caterpillar, and more)
Future annual salary expectations: $44,530-$98,480
Students combine technical courses with dual credit courses to earn an associate degree and industry-approved certifications in the areas of aerospace, engineering, manufacturing and/or welding. Students will also complete work-based training through internships and job-training programs.
Website: https://schools.saisd.net/page/005.ptech
Follow: Twitter @STEMHHS / Instagram @stem_owls / Facebook @STEM Owls Highlands HS
Construction Science P-TECH at Sidney Lanier High School
High School P-TECH Coordinator: Shelby Parker
Higher Education Partners: St. Philip’s College, UTSA
Industry Partners: Joeris General Contractors, Johnson Controls, Bartlett Cocke General Contractors, Workforce Solutions Alamo
Future annual salary expectations: $87,600-$127,200
Students are provided dual credit opportunities as well as work-based training through internships, apprenticeships, or other job-training programs. Students will earn the necessary skills, certifications, and industry-specific training necessary for careers within construction technology, construction science and management, or power generation and alternative energy.
Website: https://schools.saisd.net/page/008.P-Tech
Follow: Twitter @SAISDLanier @SAISD_CSPTECH / Facebook @ConstructionSciencePTECH
Cyber P-TECH USA at Sam Houston High School
High School P-TECH Coordinator: Kaye Robinson
Higher Education Partners: St. Philip’s College
Industry Partners: STEMuli, Accenture
Future annual salary expectations: $45,000-$170,000+
Students will have the opportunity to earn a high school diploma, industry certifications, as well as an associate degree in applied science. Students will engage in work-based training through job shadow experiences, internships, and apprenticeships and will develop the skills and qualifications necessary to succeed in the cybersecurity industry.
Website: https://schools.saisd.net/page/006.cyber
Follow: Twitter @saisdcyberptech / Instagram @saisdcyberptech / Facebook @SamHoustonHSSAISD