Carver High School will be home to the new specialized programs.

The district to expand P-TECH options as it continues to work with partners to increase the number of these industry-focused programs. The innovative program merges high school, college, and the job community.

One more Pathways in Technology Early College High (P-TECH) School will open starting in fall 2021. Carver P-TECH School will share space at the district’s magnet campus, Carver High School for Engineering, Applied Technology, and the Arts. The new college and industry partnerships will increase the number of P-TECH school options to two in the Aldine Independent School District.

Carver P-TECH School* will focus on two programs interior design and mechatronics. There are plans to expand program options at the campus in the future. The school will open this fall, with 50 entering ninth-graders.

The P-TECH school will begin applications starting February 15 for students entering the ninth grade in fall 2021.

School Programs at Carver P-TECH

Higher Education Partner: Lone Star College, Houston Community College-Main Campus, Texas A&M University College of Industrial Engineering

Industry Partners: Gratia Geometrics, LIA Engineering, KCI, Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital, Harris County Hospital District (Harris Health), Houston Memorial Hermann Hospital Northeast, Greater Houston Manufacturers Association, Greater Houston Builders Association, and Texas Interior Design Society

Government Partner: Texas Education Agency

Future annual salary expectations for students graduating with certifications in these career areas:

  • Mechatronics Engineer: $52K-$98K+ (Northeastern University)
  • Interior Designer: $58K-$75K+ (Architectural Digest) — TX $41K+

Applications for this program will be accepted starting February 15, 2021. Those students entering ninth grade in the fall of 2021 are encouraged to apply.
 

LEARN MORE AND APPLY

 
Follow Carver HS on social media: Twitter: CarverHS_AISD  |  Facebook: CarverHSAISD

Why P-TECH?

The concept is that each program concentrates on a high-demand, high-wage industry needed in the regional area. Under the model, students will 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.

Superintendent Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney stated that the district’s student population is nearly 90% economically disadvantaged. P-TECH was designed to break the cycle of poverty and address skills gaps in the labor force by linking education and workforce development.

“Our students are stronger when we work together as a community to prepare them for college, career, and life,” Goffney said. “We believe it’s important to prepare our students for career opportunities out of high school as well as college. We are removing the financial burden and helping students to focus on learning solely. This opportunity is among the greatest equalizers in education today.”

P-TECH schools’ culture is built upon high expectations and a belief that all students can earn up to 60 college credit hours at no cost. Students enter the program as ninth-graders and advance each year together as part of the cohort model. Most importantly, from the moment students begin ninth grade, they see themselves as “college students” that are “on a career pathway.”

The Carver P-TECH program will add a new grade level of students each year, and TEA grant funds will support planning for the innovative school model. Wraparound services will be provided for students, including mentoring, articulation of credits from high school to college, flexibility in scheduling, work-based education like internships, and preparation for interviews with prospective employers.

Aldine ISD’s first P-TECH program centers on four options: Computer and Digital Technology; Energy, Manufacturing, and Construction; Business and Professional Services; and Teaching Degrees and Certifications. The programs have been housed at Avalos P-TECH School since 2019.

 

*Aldine has applied for the TEA P-TECH designation and is awaiting approval