Pathways of Promise (PoP) is a two-phased research and implementation initiative in Central Texas, facilitated by E3 Alliance to identify and scale Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways for high school students leading to successful transitions to and completion of a postsecondary credential. The focus of the research phase in 2014 was to identify a selection of CTE pathways in Education, Health Sciences, IT and STEM that increase the likelihood of priority student populations – those who are traditionally under-represented in higher education – for accessing and succeeding in their post secondary experience and obtaining a credential with market value. The priority populations include: low income students, special education students, English language learners, Hispanic students and African American students. Primary partnerships for the initiative include: Austin ISD, Bastrop ISD, Del Valle ISD, Eanes ISD, Elgin ISD, Hutto ISD, Lake Travis ISD, Leander ISD, Lockhart ISD, Round Rock ISD and San Marcos CISD.

Beginning in 2015, the implementation phase will convert the findings from this research into practical recommendations aligned to district strategies in support of HB 5 and offer critical professional development to teachers and counselors, and, as needed, curriculum content development to increase course relevance and alignment through college. In total, this two year initiative stands to change practices in over 21 high schools that can improve education outcomes for close to 37,000 students, half of whom are low income.
E3 Alliance will also share findings with industry, institutions of higher education, and school districts throughout Central Texas and beyond. Our goal is to increase region-wide capacity for rigorous, market-driven
high school-to-college and career pathways that lead to increased college completion and career entry in our region’s high demand, high wage jobs – particularly for our priority populations.
Click on the link to read the report: E3 Alliance – Pathways of Promise Regional Collaborative
Click on the link to read the report: Pathways of Promise: CTE Pathways Report