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P-TECH Information/FAQS

The Texas Education Agency's (TEA) Pathways in Technology Early College High Schools (P-TECH) initiative offers an open-enrollment program that creates workforce pathways aligned with high-demand, high-wage field throughout the State.  Students enrolled in the P-TECH program work toward an associate degree while gaining hands-on work experience.
 
Robstown Early College High School is a P-TECH (Pathways in Technology Early College High School) dedicated to supporting students who are on a pathway for future success through high school and/or college.  Through this P-TECH program, our Pickers are provided the opportunity to earn dual credit, which is credit toward both a high school diploma and college degree.  By the time a student completes high school, he or she could earn up to 60 hours of free college credit leading to an associate degree, Level 1 Certificate, Level 2 Certificate and/or Industry Based Certification. RISD partners with Del Mar College to enable student to earn college credits.
P-TECH schools enable students to:
  • Earn an Associate degree - tuition free while in high school.
  • Earn up to 60 hours of tuition-free college credit.
  • Eliminate thousands of dollars in college tuition costs.
  • Graduate from a four-year university in less time than their peers.
  • Enter the job market with work-ready skills.
  • Develop workplace skills through mentorships and internships with industry partners.
Dual Credit programs allow high school students to enroll in college courses for credit while still in high school.  College credits earned through dual credit can be applied toward high school and college graduation and can be transferred to other colleges or universities.  At Robstown ISD, student can earn dual credit in a number of academic areas including math, science, English, government, history, and many more.  RISD also offers dual credit in Welding, Instrumentation, and Culinary Arts.
 
A dual credit program benefits students in a number of ways:
  • Provides a head start on postsecondary core requirements.
  • Expands the variety of classes available to high school students.
  • Allows access to college facilities/activities - such as fine arts performances, career development services, computer labs, college libraries, and learning skills/tutoring services.
  • Provides greater opportunities for a coordinated, seamless education.
  • Serves as a "controlled" introduction to college life.
  • Allows for an easier transition to college.
  • Builds students' confidence and self-esteem.
Students will begin taking college level classes as early as their freshman year, then begin taking more classes as they progress through high school.
All Robstown ISD students who are promoted to the 9th grade will have opportunities to enroll in dual credit courses.  Students wishing to enroll specifically in the P-TECH program for health science, welding, instrumentation, or culinary arts will complete the application linked below.  Although all P-TECH program are open enrollment, should there be limited space availability, a lottery system will be utilized.  P-TECH application opens January 27, 2025 and closes August 29, 2025.
Students enrolled in college courses must meet Texas Success Initiative (TSI) requirements.  This can be done by taking the TSI-Assessment (TSIA) and earning passing scores in reading, writing, and math.  Students must have passing scores in specific areas based on course prerequisites.
Many of the dual credit courses are offered face to face on our campus during the school day by Certified Del Mar College Professors.  Some courses may need to be taken online during the course of a student's dual credit journey.
Yes!  However, depending on the pathway chosen within our P-TECH program, and the student's high school credits earned prior to 9th grade, electives may be limited due to requirements of the desired degree plan.
It is the policy of Robstown ISD to afford equal opportunity education to all students.  Students receiving special education services are given the same consideration in the selection as all other students.  The individual needs of the student, as indicated in the Individualized Education Plan (IEP), can be addressed.  It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to provide the IEP or 504 Plan with the application.
 
Students enrolled in dual credit courses at an Institute of Higher Education, such as Del Mar College, can request accommodations by providing documentation of disability and be found eligible through the college's support services for students with disabilities.