Designated High Schools

South Texas College’s Dual Credit Academic Pathways Department oversees a total of 43 designated high schools. These designated high schools encompass; Early College High Schools (ECHS), Technology-STEM (T-STEM) High Schools; and Pathways in Technology (P-TECH) High Schools.

By design, each designated high school provides high school students the opportunity to earn college-credit hours and/or an Associate degree while in high school. Each designated high school is designed to create a seamless transition between high school and college.

Pathway for high school diploma plus college hours or degree

Our role to the School District:

Assist school districts interested in one of the 3 designated high school concept with the planning, application process, and other steps essential to building the organizational infrastructure to effectively establish an ECHS, T-STEM High School, or a P-TECH High School.

Bridge Program for Freshman Students

The Bridge Program provides essential College information, STC Campus Tour, Career Exploration Presentation/Assessment and much more; to incoming freshman from partnering school districts. The Bridge Program is meant to introduce students to the college environment through an array of college readiness activities. Students are engaged through team building, time management, and goal setting to help them prepare for the rigor and coursework they will encounter as college students. The Bridge Program allows students to visit and tour Pecan, Mid-Valley, and Starr County Campuses, as well as familiarize them with the different departments and student services.

Topics that are covered:

  • Classroom Etiquette
  • Campus Etiquette
  • Time Management
  • Degree Plan Overview
  • Student Life
  • Campus Tour
  • College Resources
  • Center for Learning Excellence
  • Student Services
  • Library Services
  • Apply Texas Session
  • Student Success Presentation

Advising

The Advising Process is tailored to the student’s grade level and to their academic standing. We over 3 types of advising; Online, Individual, and Group Advising.

  • Online Advising and Virtual Sessions:  A South Texas College liaison meets with students virtually in an individual and/or group session. Additionally, virtual sessions are held with dual credit students and/or parents focused on college related information.
  • Individual Advising: A South Texas College liaison meets with individual students to answer questions and discuss their academic standing and graduation potential.
  • Group Advising: Group advisement sessions hosted to present college related information tailored to event type request and grade level audience.
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