Tech Program Gives College Prep to High-Schoolers
Published Mar 05, 2009
Workers are on the job at the Early College and Technology Center in Floresville. A partnership between the local school district and an economic development organization is allowing high school students to take dual-credit classes.
Construction is nearing completion on the Floresville Early College, whose opening will be a major step toward making high school graduates and the workforce more competitive throughout the Alamo Area.
Students will soon have the opportunity to take dual-credit classes through a partnership among the Floresville Independent School District, Floresville Economic Development Corp. and Alamo Community College District in Wilson County. A similar program has been operating in New Braunfels in Comal County.
The unique educational opportunity will offer certifications in business, aerospace manufacturing, nursing, media broadcasting, culinary arts and information technology. Students will gain insight into specific fields of study beginning in their junior year.
Voters approved a $63 million bond for the school district and a number of backers, including Alamo Community College District, Congressman Henry Cuellar and the Floresville City Council, have supported the effort.
“This program addresses the education attainment level of our workforce and population as a whole,” says Col. Jesse M. Perez, executive director of the Floresville Economic Development Corp. “It will help efforts to attract new business and industry to our city and county. The new high school and Early College will be an impetus to our high school students to continue their education and transform our community.”
Previously, high school graduates would receive a standard diploma. Under the new program, students will receive a diploma and possibly an associate’s degree or other certification. Programs will also be available for adults.
Additionally, the Early College facility can offer space as a training facility to an industry moving into the area, providing the community another competitive tool for attracting new business.
Dr. David Vinson, Floresville school superintendent, says that the program will decrease dropout rates and increase student focus. “We like to say that at Floresville, your last two years of high school are your first two years of college. At the core of this strategy is the opportunity to improve the educational and skill level of our workforce,” he says. “Once that is accomplished, imagine how marketable we will be.”
Partnerships with other corporations will enhance opportunities. The Floresville program is part of the Bexar County Academy Program, which includes an aerospace manufacturing program with Lockheed Martin and a networking administration program with data company Rackspace Inc. Officials are working with local health-care entities, such as Connally Memorial Hospital, to provide nurses to serve their health-care personnel needs.
“Our enhanced educational opportunities will make us more competitive and further improve our overall quality of life,” Perez says.
Story by Claire Ratliff-Sears
Photo by Todd Bennett
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