Lubbock Independent School District 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, Texas Tech University and industry leaders CoNetrix, City Bank and Tyler Technologies, according to a news release from LISD.
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 – all at no cost to the students.
“We know the more choices we give to our students, the greater the chance we have to change the futures of families in our district,” said Kathy Rollo, Lubbock ISD Superintendent. “P-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.”
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-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,” said Coronado Principal Chris Huber. “We 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.”
Beyond standard academics, students gain valuable real-world experience with the school’s 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.
Upon graduation, students may enter the workforce with industry-recognized certifications, postsecondary certificates, and an Associate of Applied Science degree earned through SPC.
"The P-TECH partnership is invaluable to students who aim to complete dual credit education at an extremely affordable price," said SPC President Robin Satterwhite. "The ability to move directly into the workforce with a competitive credential can change the trajectory of a graduate’s economic future."
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's degree and advanced career opportunities.
“Partnerships like P-TECH create pathways for students to see what is possible and begin working toward it while they are still in high school,” said Texas Tech President Lawrence Schovanec. “We’re 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.”
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 – not just in the Coronado attendance zone – 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.
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.
For more information and to apply, go to Lubbock ISD's website to visit the Coronado P-TECH page.
This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Lubbock ISD launches P-TECH partnership at Coronado High
