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Tomball Star Academy
Tomball Academy of
Healthcare
Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH)
Tomball Academy of Healthcare
Purpose
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 fields throughout the state. Students enrolled in the P-TECH program work toward an associate's degree while gaining hands-on work experience.
 
Texas P-TECH programming is inspired by the national effort to refine career and technical education. Industry and Institutes of Higher Education (IHE) partnerships with P-TECH campuses ensure that students graduate college- and career-ready. Business and industry partners provide career mentoring, host site visits, offer paid internships to enrolled students, and serve on advisory councils to improve the alignment of programming with workforce needs.
 
Students who graduate from the P-TECH program enter the workforce with proven, in-demand skill sets, making them top candidates in their chosen industry.
 
Program Characteristics
  • 25 student cohort per grade level, beginning with the incoming 9th grade class of 23/24 (C/O 2027)
  • Program option under Tomball Star Academy
  • Every student at each grade level will have an industry mentor
  • First-in line, priority interviewing opportunities with HCA Tomball 
 
Pathways in Technology is open to all students and is designed to support students who
  • are motivated to challenge themselves with in-depth college-level coursework and internships
  • are comfortable in classes focused on academics and workplace learning
  • are open to accepting career-focused academic guidance from dedicated, collegiate teachers and professors
  • want to attend college but need a no-cost solution (tuition and textbooks)
  • live in the Tomball Independent School District
 
Available Program Outcomes
  • Industry-Based Certifications: EKG, Phlebotomy, Patient Care Technician
  • Level 1 Pre-Professional Certificate (Awarded by Lone Star College System)
  • Associate of Science Degree (Awarded by Lone Star College System)

Frequently Asked Questions