Relating to establishing the Applied Sciences Pathway program.

Texas students gain a career credential pathway

Beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, Texas creates the Applied Sciences Pathway for students in grades 11 and 12. Participating districts and open-enrollment charter schools must let all their students in those grades enroll. Schools must have an approved partnership with a higher education institution that meets state dual-credit rules. Students work toward a high school diploma and a level one or two certificate, or a state-approved credential of value. They receive college instruction and appropriate work-based learning through a course sequence that avoids duplicate coursework. Certificate programs must have successful job placement in high-wage, high-growth jobs. Approved fields cover plumbing and pipe fitting; electrical work; welding; sheet metal; carpentry; masonry; diesel and heavy equipment; aviation maintenance; heating, ventilation, and air conditioning; construction management and inspection; mechanical and aerospace engineering; industrial maintenance and processes; robotics and automation; information technology and cybersecurity; oil and gas exploration and production; refining and chemical processes; transportation, distribution, and logistics; manufacturing and industrial technology; electronics technology; and automotive technology. Starting in 2027-2028, the education commissioner may update approved industries once every five years to reflect labor-market trends. The commissioner can approve career courses as replacements for required graduation courses when they substantially cover the same knowledge and skills. There is no overall limit on replacements, but each replacement counts for only one graduation credit and one subject area. For specified subjects, students must first pass required end-of-course tests for earlier courses in their district's sequence. Program time counts toward the hours needed for full-time attendance. Students may still take career or dual-credit courses before entering the pathway. The law does not extend commissioner approval requirements to partnerships outside this program. The program's legal authority expires September 1, 2031.