Prosper ISD outlines CTE expansion: cybersecurity, cosmetology and electrical engineering academies slated for new Richland High School

Prosper ISD on Jan. 23 outlined an expansion of career and technical education programs, including three academy tracks scheduled to open with Richland High School in the 2025–26 school year: cybersecurity, cosmetology (in partnership with Toni&Guy), and electrical engineering.

Director Julie Anderson told the board the district offered 12 career clusters, 31 programs of study and 130 unique CTE courses systemwide. “Over 82% of our high school students are enrolled in CTE,” Anderson said, and the district recorded more than 1,800 TEA-recognized industry-based certifications in 2023–24, with additional non-TEA credentials bringing total certifications higher.

Why it matters: the expanded CTE offerings aim to provide students with marketable credentials, stackable certifications and direct pathways to local industry partners, reducing barriers between high school and viable employment or college programs.

Highlights of the CTE presentation and planned academies: - Cybersecurity academy: planned certifications include CompTIA A+, Security+, and Linux+, with embedded virtual cyber range exercises; dual-credit options will be added after the first years of implementation. - Cosmetology academy: a four-year pathway run in partnership with Toni&Guy; students will be eligible to attempt a cosmetology operator license through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) and can take clients while in school. - Electrical Engineering academy: will feature classroom instruction, an electrical lab and a 6,000-square-foot “clean lab” with robotic arms, hydraulics, pneumatics and programmable logic controllers; students will earn an Industry 4.0 certification aligned with semiconductor-sector employers.

Anderson also described new and expanded credentials and courses: community health worker, Unity and Python (computer science), emergency telecommunication for dispatchers (law pathway), Plus Security and Linux certifications, cosmetology, and Industry 4.0 certifications tied to semiconductor supply chain employers. She cited partnerships with Pogue (work-based learning and paid internships) and Children’s Health and Andrews Institute for clinical and work-site learning opportunities.

Board and administration context: Anderson said the district expects to offer an industry-based credential in every program of study by 2025–26 and highlighted a 40% CTE enrollment growth over two years. The board was invited to upcoming advisory meetings and a March CTE “experience” event supported by PEF.

What the board directed: no formal motions were recorded specific to the CTE presentation; administration will continue planning academies and report back as programs and dual-credit agreements develop.