Unique Partnership Funds New Technology Charter Schools

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A unique group of community leaders in San Antonio, Texas (63.33% Latino population) has recently come together to fund an innovative solution to help students compete in the rapidly changing job market. Regional grocery chain H-E-B and its Chairman and CEO, Charles Butt, are helping to create a new charter school that will use “groundbreaking curriculum and technology” to prepare students for a career in the technology field.

The new schools, called the Centers for Applied Science and Technology (CAST), will be the first of its kind in Texas. Students will receive hands-on experiences through college-level coursework, jobs, internships, mentorships, and “project-based learning.” Students will ultimately have an opportunity to earn an associate’s degree and industry certification upon graduating. Along with H-E-B, Tech Bloc, a technology collaborative in San Antonio, will serve as the lead partners in the project. The ultimate goal is to retain the blossoming technology talent for the San Antonio area.

“When students are provided with role models and a concrete pathway to achieving their goals, both their motivation and performance skyrocket,” said Charles Butt. “It’s important for business and industry to play an active role in providing a seamless path from school to college or career. If we are truly interested in cultivating talent, we’ll need to open our doors to young people and offer them meaningful jobs and shadowing experiences. The future of our city, state, and nation depends on it.”

Spurred by the Texas House of Representatives passage of House Bill 5, which requires schools to enhance career planning and technical education, H-E-B gathered a committee of technology leaders, superintendents, and workforce experts from the San Antonio area. After a year of studying innovative models, the CAST project was chosen. H-E-B and Butt have gifted the project $3.6 million to fund the first two schools; most funds will go to the inaugural school, CAST Tech, which is slated to open in the fall. This school will focus on technology and entrepreneurship.

“This new school exemplifies the type of real-world learning opportunities that put students on a higher-level playing field when it comes to college and career readiness,” said San Antonio Independent School District Superintendent Pedro Martinez.

It is known that quality education leads to better jobs and higher incomes. Research has also shown that better-educated individuals live longer, healthier lives compared to those with less education. Their individuals’ children are also more likely to thrive. The second CAST school is still in the planning phase; it will focus on advanced manufacturing.

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