Click here to access the video in another window. Why Choose CTE?

The Houston Independent School District offers Career Readiness opportunities in a wide variety of areas. These programs are designed to develop the academic and technical skills of secondary students who enroll in career and technical education (CTE) programs, seek entrance in dual credit coursework, and admission in postsecondary opportunities. Enrollment is based on the district’s nondiscrimination policies.

The Houston Independent School District will take steps to ensure that the lack of English language proficiency will not be a barrier to admission and participation in all educational and vocational programs. For more information about CTE courses, please visit: please click the link.

Learn and Earn

You can earn college credits while attending high school by taking Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses. Dual credit courses enable you to gain access to college-level experience and provide not only high school credit, but transferable college credit.

Certifications

According to the U.S. Department of Education, CTE prepares students to be college- and career-ready by providing core academic, employability, and job-specific skills.  High school students involved in a CTE pathway are more engaged and graduate at higher rates.   When students are able to link traditional lessons to real-life applications that apply directly to future careers, they are more invested in their own learning. In fact, the average high school graduation rate for CTE students is 93%, compared to the national average of 80%.” The industry-based certifications (IBC) that Houston ISD offers align with state and regional workforce needs.  These IBCs serve as an entry point to middle and high-wage jobs. We offer many certifications within our district.

For more information about the Industry-Based Certifications alignment, please visit: https://www.houstonisd.org/Page/182206

Dual Credit courses

Dual Credit courses are the only courses that allow students to earn both high-school and college credit hours simultaneously. They are developed and taught by college-approved instructors and are graded in the same way as college students who take the same course. No prerequisite classes are required.

For more information about Dual Credit courses, please visit: www.houstonisd.org/dualcredit

Postsecondary Programming

The Houston ISD Postsecondary Programming Department, which is under the division of Strategy & Innovation, is committed to providing the highest-quality access and opportunity to all Houston ISD students.  Postsecondary Programming works closely with campuses and district departments to: increase the number of students graduating college-ready, provide access to college credit coursework in high school, and adopt new student-focused district projects.

For more information about Postsecondary Programming, please visit: www.houstonisd.org/IPP