LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – P-TECH, or Pathways in Technology Early College High Schools, is looking to help the next generation take a big step forward after they graduate.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s an open enrollment program focused on identifying, recruiting and enrolling at-risk and economically disadvantaged students. It comes at no cost to students and looks to push the next generation in the right directions.<\/p>\n
The program was unveiled at Coronado High School, on Thursday.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe know that high school is not a one size fits all experience,\u201d Kathy Rollo, Lubbock ISD superintendent, said. \u201cThe more choices we give to students when it comes to their future, the greater chance we have to change the futures of families in our community.\u201d<\/p>\n
The program will begin accepting applications for the 2027-2028 school year. It\u2019s available for all 9th and 10th graders within the district.<\/p>\n
\u201cP-TECH is the fastest growing career program in the state of Texas,\u201d Chris Huber, Coronado High School principal, said. \u201cIt will provide an opportunity for students to learn about possible futures while earning a diploma, free college hours, work experience and exposure, as well as nationally recognized certifications.\u201d<\/p>\n
Those certifications are in high-demand fields including STEM, cyber security and business. P-TECH is a collaboration between Lubbock ISD, South Plains College and Texas Tech University. It will allow students to either enter the workforce right after graduation or earn an associate of applied science degree through SPC.<\/p>\n
\u201cIsn\u2019t it amazing what can happen when you have industry and higher education and our school districts all come together for the collective good – not of each one of us individually, but for our students,\u201d SPC president Robin Satterwhite said.<\/p>\n
Texas Tech provides the last step in the education process, as students can immediately pursue their bachelor\u2019s at the university and advance their career opportunities.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs a university, one of the most important things we do is help students see a path to higher education, and then to make that path as clear and accessible as possible,\u201d Texas Tech president Lawrence Schovanec said.<\/p>\n
The students at Lubbock ISD will soon have a chance to gain valuable knowledge and get ahead of the game, as they work for what they\u2019ve always wanted to do.<\/p>\n
Lubbock ISD released this statement with additional details on Thursday afternoon:<\/p>\n
Lubbock ISD Launches P-TECH, an Innovative Higher Education & Industry Partnership, at Coronado High School<\/p>\n
Lubbock, Texas \u2013 Lubbock Independent School District (Lubbock ISD) students now have a new way to prepare for their future: P-TECH, an innovative higher education and industry partnership at Coronado High School that focuses on college and career pathways in technology. The program, which will begin accepting applications for the 2027-2028 school year, is a multifaceted partnership between the district and South Plains College (SPC), Texas Tech University (TTU) and industry leaders CoNetrix, City Bank and Tyler Technologies.<\/p>\n
Pathways in Technology Early College High Schools (P-TECH) are open enrollment high schools with a focus on identifying, recruiting and enrolling at-risk and economically disadvantaged students, particularly those who are least likely to attend college or those who want to accelerate the completion of their high school diploma. The program offers students an opportunity to receive a high school diploma in addition to industry based certifications, Level 1 or 2 certificates, and\/or an associate degree while engaging in work-based learning at every grade level \u2013 all at no cost to the students. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe know the more choices we give to our students, the greater the chance we have to change the futures of families in our district,\u201d said Dr. Kathy Rollo, Lubbock ISD Superintendent. \u201cP-TECH at Coronado adds to the robust career and technical education pathways the district already offers and provides even more ways a student can prepare for a successful life after graduation. Through this new partnership, our students will be prepared to continue their education after graduation or go directly into high demand, high wage careers with top industry certifications and credentials they earn during their high school years.\u201d<\/p>\n
The program at Coronado will support students as they earn up to 60 hours of college credit and industry certifications and credentials in high-demand fields like STEM, cybersecurity, computer science and business. The program pathways are intentionally designed with stackable credentials that allow students to demonstrate mastery and earn recognized credentials throughout their high school experience. <\/p>\n
\u201cP-TECH provides an opportunity for a student to learn about possible futures while earning a diploma, free college hours, work experience and exposure, as well as nationally recognized industry certifications,\u201d said Coronado Principal Chris Huber. \u201cWe are excited to provide students these expanded opportunities, all while they are still able to take advantage of the many quality programs Coronado has to offer.\u201d<\/p>\n
Beyond standard academics, students gain valuable real-world experience with the school\u2019s three founding industry partners through mentorships, workplace site visits, and paid internships, positioning them as top candidates for competitive jobs upon graduation. As the program grows each year, CoNetrix, City Bank and Tyler Technologies will offer work-based learning opportunities in every grade level and wrap-around support to help students succeed.<\/p>\n
Upon graduation, students may enter the workforce with industry-recognized certifications, postsecondary certificates, and an Associate of Applied Science degree earned through SPC. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe P-TECH partnership is invaluable to students who aim to complete dual credit education at an extremely affordable price,\u201d said SPC President Dr. Robin Satterwhite. \u201cThe ability to move directly into the workforce with a competitive credential can change the trajectory of a graduate\u2019s economic future.\u201d<\/p>\n
Students who choose to continue their education after graduation may transfer applicable coursework through an existing articulation agreement between SPC and TTU and pursue a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences degree. This provides students the flexibility to continue toward a bachelor\u2019s degree and advanced career opportunities.<\/p>\n
\u201cPartnerships like P-TECH create pathways for students to see what is possible and begin working toward it while they are still in high school,\u201d said Lawrence Schovanec, president of Texas Tech University. \u201cWe\u2019re proud to help give students a strong foundation and a seamless opportunity to continue their education at Texas Tech. This is an investment in students, but also in the talent and workforce our region will depend on in the years ahead.\u201d<\/p>\n
Applications for P-TECH at Coronado are now open for the 2027-2028 school year. As an open enrollment program, any student who will be a 9th or 10th grader in the district \u2013 not just in the Coronado attendance zone \u2013 is eligible to apply. Acceptance is limited to 100 students for the first year of the program, with plans to add more seats in the following years as students progress through high school. <\/p>\n
The deadline to apply is Dec. 5, 2026, and a teacher recommendation is also required for consideration. Those accepted into P-TECH will be notified in January 2027.<\/p>\n
For more information and to apply, click here to visit the Coronado P-TECH page. <\/p>\n
What people are saying about P-TECH at Coronado:<\/p>\n
Lubbock ISD<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are so incredibly excited about this partnership. I want to thank South Plains College and Texas Tech University \u2013 higher education leaders that have long been supporters and partners of our district \u2013 for their commitment to Lubbock ISD and our students. I also want to thank our founding industry partners, CoNetrix, City Bank and Tyler Technologies, for investing in our students through internships, interviews and valuable, in-the-field experience. You are changing their futures and the future of our community for the better, and we are so grateful.\u201d Misty Rieber, Lubbock ISD Chief Academic Officer<\/p>\n
\u201cP-TECH at Coronado is about more than giving students access to college courses or career credentials. Talent and potential exist in every classroom, but opportunity does not always exist equally. By removing barriers and connecting students to meaningful experiences, mentors and opportunities, we help them see possibilities for themselves they may not have imagined before. We\u2019re not just preparing students for what comes after high school. We\u2019re empowering them to build a future they can see themselves in.\u201d Nikki Beaty, Coronado Academic Dean<\/p>\n
\u201cOne of the greatest strengths of the P-TECH program is the connection it creates between our students, our schools, and our community. By partnering with strong industry leaders, we can provide students with cutting-edge business and computer programming skills as well as meaningful experiences that prepare them to meet the evolving needs of our workforce. P-Tech students will be prepared and ready for the future! Amy Baker, Lubbock ISD Executive Director of Career & Technical Education<\/p>\n
CoNetrix<\/p>\n
CoNetrix is excited to partner with Lubbock ISD and Coronado High School as they launch a program that will equip the technology leaders of tomorrow. Educators work tirelessly to provide time, resources and knowledge to equip students for future success. CoNetrix is pleased to join local educators\u2019 efforts to provide better awareness and access to technology careers here in Lubbock, Texas.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are always looking for driven individuals who have a passion for solving problems using technology. We believe this partnership will be a great way to invest in talent not just for our own company, but the technology community here in the Lubbock area.\u201d Russ Horn, President at CoNetrix<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m thankful to the staff, faculty, administration and students for their work in making this a reality. We look forward to seeing how this partnership will serve our community.\u201d Kecia Jackson, Director of Talent Acquisition at CoNetrix<\/p>\n
City Bank<\/p>\n
\u201cCity Bank is proud to be a founding partner of the P-TECH program. As technology continues to transform the banking industry, we are excited to help students explore the innovations shaping the future of financial services. Through this partnership, students gain valuable exposure to the technology behind modern banking while building skills that will serve them throughout their careers. As a bank rooted in West Texas, we believe strong communities are built through education, opportunity, and meaningful partnerships. We are honored to invest in the next generation and help prepare future leaders for success.\u201d Kris Loveless, Chief Technology Officer at City Bank<\/p>\n
Tyler Technologies <\/p>\n
\u201cAt Tyler Technologies, we believe creating meaningful connections between education and industry can help students better understand the opportunities available to them and the skills they\u2019ll need to succeed. Through the P-TECH partnership, we\u2019re proud to share our industry knowledge and provide students with opportunities to explore technology careers, engage with professionals, develop workplace skills, and gain exposure to real-world work environments. We\u2019re excited to work alongside Lubbock ISD and our community partners to help students build the confidence, skills and connections that can prepare them for a successful future.\u201d Sean Marlow, President, Municipal and Schools<\/p>\n
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