Pasadena Offers a Here-at-Home Educated Workforce

The Pasadena Economic Development Corporation (PEDC) recognizes that a highly-skilled, local workforce is the key to a thriving economy. PEDC is committed to fueling the city’s growth by fostering a talent pool that starts here at home. From 9th grade through college and beyond, Pasadena’s residents can learn and grow into their career paths by utilizing the local educational offerings. Having such a homegrown advantage of multiple opportunities ensures that residents can truly live, grow, prosper, and retire all in the same place, Pasadena, TX. 

Here-at-Home: Enhanced Secondary Education 

While AI is all the buzz, Pasadena’s economic vitality remains anchored by a skilled foundation of tradespeople and technical experts who power the city’s leading industries. Recognizing the need and career longevity, the Pasadena Independent School District (PISD) proactively integrates career-focused training. By preparing Pasadena’s students for college, PISD is ensuring graduates have the skills and certifications necessary to step directly into high-demand, well-paying careers right here at home.

PISD offers two pathways for students in grades 9th through 12th: Career and Technical Education (CTE) and Early College High School (ECHS).

Career and Technical Education

CTE is a comprehensive pathway providing students with technical skills, professional certifications, and hands-on experience in high-demand fields. While the CTE program has its own dedicated school, the program extends throughout six of PISD’s seven high schools. Currently, CTE offers 13 broad programs of study that are broken into 25 specific pathways. These pathways directly align with Pasadena’s top industries, from petrochemical to manufacturing to maritime operations.  

Dr. Kirk Lewis Career & Technical High School (CTHS) is PISD’s official and dedicated CTE school. This campus opened its doors in August 2014 and continues to annually serve almost 1,500 students with a high school education paired with specialized training in their chosen career field.

Early College High School

The ECHS pathway offers high schoolers an accelerated college experience. From 9th to 12th grade, students take college courses along with their high school classes. Students in 9th and 10th grades attend classes at one of five PISD campuses while being instructed by San Jacinto College professors. Scholars in 11th and 12th grades transition to 100% attendance in dedicated areas of San Jacinto College. Such a structure enables seniors to graduate with a high school diploma and an Associate Degree (or near completion), depending on the field of study.  

Here-at-Home: Post-Secondary Education 

For professionals looking to increase knowledge, advance careers, learn a trade, or change fields entirely, Pasadena offers innovative educational institutions dedicated to tradeswork and lifelong learning.

University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL)

While the UHCL is a major university focused on bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, it recognizes the need for skills-based training. In partnership with Ed2Go, UHCL offers its Center for Executive Education, an impressive catalog of professional development: 

• Career Training Programs: Over 350 courses, “... designed to provide the skills necessary to acquire professional-level positions for many in-demand occupations.”
• Construction and Trades: A focused selection, in addition to the above, of 84 pathways within construction and trades, with over 45 specific trade programs, including bilingual options.

San Jacinto College (San Jac)

San Jac is Pasadena’s essential source for technical education and vocational careers. In conjunction with directly working with PISD, San Jac works with local industry leaders to ensure its programs and certifications are perfectly aligned with the needs of Pasadena employers.

San Jac serves a dual mission as a major stepping stone for students transferring to four-year institutions and a provider of workforce training with its Continuing Education program that leads to immediate and advanced qualifications for employment opportunities.

San Jac’s Applied Trades pathway embodies the philosophy, “Hands-on jobs require hands-on training.” Key trade offers include:

• Construction
• Diesel
• Electrical/Electronics
• HVAC/Refrigeration
• Truck Driving
• Welding

To ensure that financial hardship is not a barrier to career advancement, San Jac offers financial assistance, most notably through the Promise @ San Jac Scholarship.

The Promise Scholarship offers free education, regardless of GPA or family income, to graduating seniors. To qualify, students must:

• Live in the San Jac taxing district at the time of high school graduation.
• Plan to attend San Jac full-time.
• Meet all Promise Scholarship deadlines.
• Complete a FAFSA or TASFA application.

The Promise Scholarship is a last-dollar funding source, meaning it covers any remaining balance after all Pell and state grants have been applied. Once enacted, the scholarship covers 100% of in-district tuition, books, and supplies toward an associate degree or certification, making San Jacinto College, Pasadena’s gift that keeps on giving. 

Powering Possibilities

By investing in a continuous, here-at-home education system, Pasadena actively creates and supports a skilled, adaptable, and innovative talent pool. This commitment ensures Pasadena remains a competitive hub while being attractive to businesses seeking top-tier talent and individuals pursuing fulfilling careers here at home. Nurturing its workforce, Pasadena continues powering possibilities while building a stronger economy for a prosperous future.