P TECH
ACADEMY
Computer Programming & Software Development | Industry Experience Associate Degree & High School Diploma
DISTRICT TO LAUNCH P-TECH ACADEMY AT SUMMIT HIGH SCHOOL
Computer programming is an indemand career field , and MISD is developing a new opportunity for high school students who want to pursue those jobs . In August of 2024 , the district will open its first P-TECH Academy at Summit High School in partnership with Tarrant County College and Mouser Electronics .
“ This is an exciting opportunity for our students , and it fits with our Vision 2030 guiding statement that MISD is preparing students to graduate career ready ,” said Superintendent Dr . Kimberley Cantu .
In a P-TECH program , students earn a high school diploma , an industryrecognized associate degree , and gain relevant work experience in
a growing field . At Summit High School ’ s P-TECH Academy , students will have an opportunity to earn an industry-based certification ( PCEP-Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer ) and possible Level 1 Certificate through Tarrant County
College ( Information Technology : Programming I ).
The credentials are highly regarded in the information technology industry and can lead to a junior programming career with a starting salary of $ 55,000 per year straight out of high school .
“ That ’ s the beauty of Career Technical Education ( CTE ). We are aligned to what the labor market needs , and computer programming is a high-demand field that has a lot of opportunities for growth ,” said Mansfield ISD ’ s CTE Director Dr . LeighAnn Tamplen .
District administrators and its business and education partners will spend the 2023-24 school year developing the program . Summit High School ’ s P-TECH Academy will open for the 2024-25 school year with an inaugural class of 50 freshmen . The students will attend the schoolwithin-a-school for their entire
“ After finishing the P-TECH program , our students could have the opportunity to jump right into the workforce as an entry-level programmer at Mouser .”
DR . KIMBERLEY CANTU Superintendent high school career and benefit from real-world experience with business partner , Mouser Electronics .
“ Mouser Electronics does so much to support our students and teachers by funding cutting-edge science and technology programs for our district ,” Dr . Cantu said . “ But this is bigger – after finishing the P-TECH program , our students could have the opportunity to jump right into the workforce as an entry-level programmer at Mouser .”
By that time , students will be familiar with what Mouser Electronics offers . While attending the P-TECH Academy , they ’ ll participate in site visits , hear from guest speakers , and be eligible for internship opportunities at the Mansfield business . Instructors from Tarrant County College are anticipated to teach the majority of the P-TECH courses .
Learn more about P-TECH at www . ptech . org .
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