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Pathways in Technology Early College High Schools (P-TECH) are innovative open-enrollment high schools that al- low students least likely to attend college or who wish to accelerate completion of high school an opportunity to receive both a high school diploma in addition to in addition to industry based certifications, Level 1 or 2 certifcates, and/or an associate degree while engaging in work- based learning at every grade level. 

Pathways in Technology Early College High School Model Overview

The P-TECH Blueprint provides foundational principles and standards for innovative partnerships with colleges, universities, and industry. The P-TECH Blueprint contains six benchmarks outlining the design elements that each P-TECH campus must implement before serving students. Additionally, outcome-based measures in Access, Attainment, and Achievement provide guidance for P-TECH program implementation and continuous improvement efforts. The hallmark of the P-TECH model is its career focus and the provision of work-based education. 

As established in the P-TECH Blueprints:

• Provide students grade 9 through 14 (P-TECH Years 5-6) the opportunity to complete a program of study that combines high school and post-secondary courses at no cost to students.
• Enable students to earn a high school diploma, along with an associate degree, Level 1 or Level 2 certificate, or industry-based certification within six years
• Offer work-based learning opportunities in every grade level and wrap-around supports to help students succeed
• Align to regional workforce needs, guiding students into high-demand, high-wage careers
• Partner with Texas Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) and regional businesses and industries, giving students access to postsecondary education and workforce training opportunities.

This dynamic tool provides products and resources aligned to the P-TECH Blueprint.

 

P-TECH Grant Opportunities

Learn more about P-TECH grants available through ÁñÁ«ÊÓÆÁ.

Find P-TECH programs near you.

Pathways in Technology Early College High School Outcomes

The statewide CCRSM network is comprised of over 550 campuses implementing or planning to implement one or more of the following CCRSM programs: Early College High Schools (ECHS) and Pathways in Technology Early College High Schools (P-TECH).

In the 2025-2026, 313 Pathways in Technology Early College High Schools are planning to implement or are currently implementing the P-TECH model.  During the 2023–2024 academic year, 28,462 students enrolled in Pathways in Technology Early College High Schools (P-TECH). 

Pathways in Technology Early College High School Designation Process

Under the authority of  and Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §102.1091, the ÁñÁ«ÊÓÆÁ developed a designation process for Pathways in Technology Early College High Schools. The designation process ensures that districts and colleges operating P-TECH campuses maintain the integrity of the model, which was researched and designed to target and serve students who might not otherwise attend college. 

Launching a P-TECH Program

To launch a P-TECH program, a district must submit a Planning Year Application to be eligible to open a new P-TECH campus, become a member of the ÁñÁ«ÊÓÆÁ's official planning year cohort, and begin serving students the following academic year.

The P-TECH Planning Year Application is open throughout the fall semester. Eligible Districts are notified of their status in the Spring to provide 12-18 months of P-TECH planning. Over the course of the planning year, the P-TECH Leadership Team will receive technical assistance to meet P-TECH Blueprint requirements via an assigned technical assistance coach. By the end of the planning year, all design elements contained in the six Benchmarks should be embedded into school structures. 

Implementing a Provisional P-TECH Program

After meeting the design elements of the P-TECH Blueprint, the P-TECH is ready to serve students and may apply for Provisional Designation. New P-TECH programs remain Provisional for five years. During this time, the ÁñÁ«ÊÓÆÁ will provide technical assistance to the P-TECH to promote implementation of the P-TECH model with fidelity. Each year, the ÁñÁ«ÊÓÆÁ will provide provisional P-TECH programs with OBM data for informational purposes so that the P-TECH can respond to challenges and be ready to meet Designated P-TECH OBM Criteria. 

Meeting and Maintaining P-TECH Designation Standards

In the fifth year of operation, the P-TECH must apply for Designation status and must meet the state's Designated OBM criteria. ÁñÁ«ÊÓÆÁ requires Designation renewal annually for each P-TECH Campus. A campus is eligible for the Designated with Distinction status if the campus has been operating for seven or more years and meets Designated and Distinction OBMs.

P-TECH Laws and Rules

The following laws and rules related to P-TECH programs are available below:

• General Appropriations Act, Article III, Rider 48, 89th Texas Legislature 2025
• Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §102.1091. College and Career Readiness School Models . Chapter 102. Educational Programs Subchapter GG. Commissioner's Rules Concerning Postsecondary Preparation Programs