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The applications for the 2025-2026 school year are now open and will close on December 6, 2024.
APPLY HERE
Current 8th grade students zoned to Fort Bend ISD are invited to apply.
All current 8th grade students are eligible to apply for the P-TECH programs at Hightower and Willowridge High Schools.
Application Job Aids
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Application Job Aids
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Additional Information
To learn more about the individual programs at Hightower and Willowridge High Schools, please click on the P-TECH at Hightower and P-TECH at Willowridge buttons on the top left side of this page.
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What is Pathways in Technology Early College High School?
The Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) model is designed to ensure that high school curriculum focuses on workforce needs and partnerships that support students in obtaining credentials, degrees and certificates. With the support of Educate Texas and the Texas Education Agency (TEA), participating schools target thriving industries in their region, to address key workforce pathways in high-demand fields. The P-TECH Model course of study gives students an opportunity to:
- earn an associate degree while earning their high school diploma
- earn a two-year postsecondary certificate or industry certification
- complete work-based training
- gain work experience through internships, apprenticeships, or other job training programs
"Pathways in Technology Early College High Schools (P-TECH) provide students with a seamless path from high school, to post-secondary education, to employment. They also engage in work-based education at every grade level, such as internships, apprenticeships, or other forms of job training programs."
The P-TECH at Hightower High School and Willowridge High School will enable students to begin their college and professional lives more quickly and with more support. Graduates of P-TECH have the opportunity to earn an Applied Associate of Science degree and leave high school with the skills and knowledge they need in order to continue onto a four-year Bachelor's of Applied Science degree, or step seamlessly into competitive, high demand jobs. P-TECH at Hightower High School will offer an Associate of Applied Science in Health Science and P-TECH at Willowridge High School will offer an Associate of Applied Science in Computer Programming.
Pathways in Technology is open to all students, and is designed to support students who:
- might be the first in their family to attend college
- want to attend college but need a no-cost solution
- are motivated to challenge themselves with in depth college-level course work and internships
- are comfortable in smaller classes focused on academics and workplace learning
- are open to accept career focused academic guidance from dedicated, collegiate teachers and professors
- are interested in student-driven clubs and other activities
- live in the Fort Bend Independent School District
Learn more about ECHS and PTECH:
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Informational meetings about Early College High School and PTECH programs will begin September of of each school year with visits to all middle schools, and community events for parents and families will begin in October. Stay tuned for updates about these events.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Why should I apply for Pathways in Technology Early College High School(P-TECH)?
P-TECH at Hightower High School and Willowridge High School is committed to providing a college-going and work-based learning environment where students earn a high school diploma as well as an Applied Associate's Degree and industry certifications, from an accredited community college.
While all students will have access to the program, the core mission of P-TECH is to give prospective first-generation and other typically underrepresented students in higher education a no-cost solution to earning a two-year college degree and postsecondary certificaitons for a seamless pathway to employment or transferability to a four-year college/university.
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Who will be eligible to apply for P-TECH?
P-TECH is open to all 8th grade FBISD students who are motivated and willing to commit to a four-year program. If more than 100 students apply, the district will use a lottery system to select students with 70% coming from the feeder middle school and 30% from other middle schools.
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How are students selected for P-TECH?
All interested 8th grade students must submit a P-TECH Application. There are no criteria for placement into P-TECH, just the student's willingness to commit to demands of this opportunity
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If I am a student, do I need my parent’s permission to apply?
Yes. Parents are an important part of the process and need to demonstrate their support by granting permission and completing the parent sections of the application.
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Can students outside FBISD attend P-TECH?
Students must reside in the FBISD attendance area.
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Are there grade requirements in order to be eligible for acceptance to P-TECH
There are no pre-requisites for eligibility. A student must be dedicated and committed to earning an Applied Associate Degree or core college credit and post-secondary certifications, while earning a high school diploma
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Is there a cost to students or their families for college classes or certifications?
All tuition, books, and fees are paid for while the student is at the P-TECH. There is no cost to the student or their family.
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Will transportation be provided to P-TECH programs?
Yes, students who attend these programs will be provided transportation from the closest elementary school, which is how current academy students are also transported.
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Will every P-TECH student receive a college degree?
Every student at the P-TECH will have the opportunity to earn an Applied Associate Degree and post-secondary certifications.
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Will every P-TECH student receive college credit?
P-TECH provides opportunities for all participating students to successfully attain college credits. P-TECH is designed to support student interest in college and careers and to individualize learning
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What type of degree will P-TECH students graduate with?
While earning their high school diploma, students have the opportunity to graduate with college credit hours and an Applied Associate degree from Houston Community College that may be transferable to any public university in the State of Texas.
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Will college credits transfer to a 2 or 4-year college or university?
College credits earned during the 4 years at P-TECH may be transferred to a public college or university in Texas and could be transferred to out-of-state public and private college or university depending on their transfer of college credit policies.
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Is it possible for students to earn more than the required hours of college credit for degree completion, while in high school?
The four-year Applied Associates degree program as designed through P-TECH does not allow for additional hours beyond the required hours for degree completion. If a student chooses to pursue additional hours all fees will be the responsibility of the student.
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Is the P-TECH program like financial aid?
P-TECH provides an opportunity for students to earn college credit and post-secondary certifications at no cost to the student or their family, but is not considered financial aid.
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What if a student is not prepared for college classes?
P-TECH teachers and support teams are there to support student achievement. AVID strategies on how to organize, study, plan, note taking and time management are incorporated in all high school courses. College and career advising is also provided to discuss and plan future career and educational options and opportunities.
Contact
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Willowridge P-TECH Early College High School
Program Dean
Tel. 281-634-2585
District Support
High School Program Manager
Tel. 281-634-5645
High School Program Manager
Tel. 281-634-2627