Lancaster ISD expands P‑TECH early college program; robotics pathway added with Texas State Technical College
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Summary
P‑TECH staff told the board Oct. 30 that cohort 1 includes 55 students (16 in education & training, 39 in patient care tech) and that a robotics and automation pathway will be offered in partnership with Texas State Technical College. District and business partners will support work-based learning and certifications.
Lancaster ISD staff updated trustees Oct. 30 on the district's Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P‑TECH) program, reporting first-year enrollment and plans to add a robotics and automation pathway.
P‑TECH coordinator staff said cohort 1 includes 55 students: 16 in the education and training pathway and 39 in the patient care technician pathway. Students will take dual-enrollment and college-level coursework beginning as early as ninth grade, with the district and Dallas College completing college enrollment steps for spring semester entrants.
"Pathways and Technology Early College High School is an open enrollment program that creates workforce pathways aligned with high demand, high wage fields," a P‑TECH presenter said, describing the model of early college credit, level 1/2 certifications, and hands-on work experiences.
Staff reported that the district plans to add a robotics and automation pathway in partnership with Texas State Technical College (TSTC). According to presenters, TSTC devised a program to provide an advanced manufacturing certification aligned to P‑TECH student needs. The district named community and industry partners that will support work-based learning: Methodist Charlton Medical Center, Walmart, Center for Brain Health, Toyota, and Hacking Innovation.
District staff said outreach for spring enrollment has identified additional students interested in joining in January, and the P‑TECH advisory board will continue to coordinate employer input and student career experiences.
No budget appropriation or formal contract for the new pathway was voted at the meeting; staff recognized partner representatives and the board's advisory members and asked trustees to support ongoing partnership development.