Lamar CISD partners with Wharton County Junior College to develop new student pathways

Lamar CISD and Wharton County Junior College have come together to provide students with the opportunity to receive college credit and pursue certificates while finishing their high school requirements, officials announced in an Oct. 8 news release.

Diving in deeper

According to the release, the five-year agreement will begin with two offerings, including: 

• Business office technology at Terry High School

• Engineering design technology at Gene Tomas High School

Students in both pathways can earn up to 15 dual-credit hours while making progress toward an associate degree through WCJC.

All LCISD high school students are eligible to apply for the programs, according to the release. There are no GPA requirements or prerequisites besides enrolling in two dual-credit pathway programs.  

Courses will be $64 per credit hour, which Lamar CISD CTE will cover for participating students. However, students and families will fund required books and materials. 

What they’re saying

Kayse Lazar, Lamar CISD’s executive director of CTE, said she believes this partnership is vital in getting students interested in their future careers and passions. 

“We don’t want students to take a course just because it fits into their schedule,” Lazar said. “We want them to understand where it can take them. If a student discovers something they love, we want to help them see the next step and give them an opportunity to start taking it.” 

Looking ahead 

Student recruitment will be ongoing through October and November amid course selection, per the release. Students will begin in fall 2027.