HARLINGEN — A new dual enrollment partnership between Texas State Technical College and South Texas Independent School District will offer online Computer Programming Technology classes for Science Academy high school students through the Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) program next fall.
Vanessa Rivera, Career and Technical Education director for South Texas ISD, said STISD is excited about the partnership.
“This dual enrollment P-TECH partnership is an opportunity for our students to earn a level one TSTC certificate as a sophomore and have an option to complete a level two certificate prior to graduation,” she said. “Our district anticipates a freshman cohort of 50 students to participate in the Science Academy Computer Programming Technology P-TECH program.”
Robbie Mesa, TSTC’s director of dual enrollment in Harlingen, said TSTC’s Computer Programming Technology program will give the participating students an advantage.
“STISD students will take the online courses at their high school campus,” he said. “They will gain college credit, certificates and a great college experience as high school students. Registration for the students will begin on March 20.”
Recently TSTC and STISD representatives invited families to a parent information session held at the district’s Science Academy to learn more about the partnership and the P-TECH program.
Mesa said the parents were intrigued by the presentation.
“One parent asked if their teenager will receive an associate degree,” he said. “All Science Academy students that are enrolled in Computer Programming Technology will receive a certificate (upon successful completion).”
TSTC has a commitment to provide dual enrollment pathways for high school students who wish to elevate their potential in college-level courses.
For more information about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.
