Starting in the 2025-26 school year, Prosper ISD students will have the opportunity to follow new pathways through the district’s Career and Technical Education programs.

What's happening?

PISD will be offering new CTE pathways at the district’s new campus, Richland High School, in the 2025-26 school year. Richland High will hold the district’s first CTE Academy which will offer an elevated learning experience for students, said Julie Anderson, director of career and technical education, during a Jan. 23 school board presentation.

Career and technical education combines core concepts and skills with hands-on, project-based learning, she said. PISD offers several CTE programs of study, including agriculture, architecture, engineering, health science and business.

Some context


PISD has seen a 40% growth in CTE enrollment over the past two years, Anderson said.

In the 2023-24 school year, PISD had more than 82% of high school students—over 12,000— enrolled in CTE courses. Within those students, over 1,800 industry-based certifications recognized by the Texas Education Agency were earned.

More than 8,100 middle school students were also enrolled in CTE courses, according to the presentation.

About the programs


The programs in Richland High’s CTE Academy are:

Cybersecurity will allow students to earn industry certification and the program is designed for students to have a direct pipeline into employment in the industry or advanced education opportunities.

Cosmetology will be a four-year program through the Toni & Guy Academy. Students will have the chance to earn their Cosmetology Operator’s License from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

Electrical engineering will feature a state-of-the-art electrical lab. Students in the program will gain industry-relevant experience and earn industry certifications. Students will then be able to directly enter the industry or pursue advanced education.


Looking ahead

Applications will open the first week of February for all current 8th and 9th grade Prosper ISD students.