AUSTIN –  Today, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick announced the first phase in the implementation of the statewide Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) model. The lieutenant governor first announced the classroom-to-career initiative this past February. The 13-member advisory council is composed of K-12, higher education and industry leaders. The purpose of the advisory council is to identify the specific goals and metrics for a P-TECH school in Texas, and promote education and business partnerships across the state.

“I want Texas to lead by example by using the P-TECH model,” said Patrick. “When you get the brightest educators and experienced industry leaders together, you get customized solutions for Texas students. The P-TECH model brings the best of both worlds and it ensures that our education system prepares our students for specific 21st century workforce needs across the state.

“These advisory council members will remove hurdles and help create a path forward so that every student has a better future.”

The following P-TECH advisory council members are as follows:

Joe Arnold (Manager, Government Affairs, BASF)
Keith Bryant (Superintendent, Lubbock-Cooper ISD)
Kelly Curbow (Vice President, External Affairs, AT&T)
Sandy Dochen (Manager, Corporate Citizenship and Corporate Affairs, IBM)
Alicia Dover (Executive Director, Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors Association)
John Fitzpatrick (Executive Director, Educate TX)
Steve Head (Chancellor, Lone Star Community College)
Michael Hinojosa (Superintendent, Dallas ISD)
Mario Lozoya (Director, Government Relations, Toyota)
Robin Painovich (Executive Director, Career & Technology Association of TX)
Shirley Reed (Chancellor, South Texas College)
Michael Reeser (Chancellor, Texas State Technical College)
Marian Wallace (Education Policy Advisor, Office of the Lt. Governor)

This P-TECH initiative builds upon the legislative graduation reform plan (HB5) from 2013.

For information on the national P-TECH model, click here: www.ptech.org