P-TECH PROGRAM.

(a) The commissioner shall establish and administer a Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) program for students who wish to participate in a work-based education program.

(b) The P-TECH program must:

(1) be open enrollment;

(2) provide for a course of study that enables a participating student in grade levels 9 through 12 to combine high school courses and postsecondary courses;

(3) allow a participating student to complete high school and, on or before the sixth anniversary of the date of the student's first day of high school:

(A) receive a high school diploma and an associate degree, a two-year postsecondary certificate, or industry certification; and

(B) complete work-based training through an internship, apprenticeship, or other job training program;

(4) include:

(A) articulation agreements with institutions of higher education in this state to provide a participating student access to postsecondary educational and training opportunities at an institution of higher education; and

(B) memoranda of understanding with regional industry or business partners in this state to provide a participating student access to work-based training and education; and

(5) provide a participating student flexibility in class scheduling and academic mentoring.

(c) Each articulation agreement under Subsection (b)(4)(A) must address:

(1) curriculum alignment;

(2) instructional materials;

(3) the instructional calendar;

(4) courses of study;

(5) student enrollment and attendance;

(6) grading periods and policies; and

(7) administration of statewide assessment instruments under Subchapter B, Chapter 39.

(d) Each memorandum of understanding under Subsection (b)(4)(B) must include an agreement that the regional industry or business partner will give to a student who receives work-based training or education from the partner under the P-TECH program first priority in interviewing for any jobs for which the student is qualified that are available on the student's completion of the program.

(e) A student participating in the P-TECH program is entitled to the benefits of the Foundation School Program in proportion to the amount of time spent by the student on high school courses, in accordance with rules adopted by the commissioner, while completing the course of study established by the applicable articulation agreement or memorandum of understanding under Subsection (b)(4).

(f) The P-TECH program must be provided at no cost to participating students.

(g) The commissioner may accept gifts, grants, and donations from any source, including private and nonprofit organizations, for the P-TECH program. A private or nonprofit organization that contributes to the program may receive an award under Section 7.113.

(h) The commissioner shall collaborate with the Texas Workforce Commission and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to develop and implement a plan for the P-TECH program that addresses:

(1) regional workforce needs;

(2) credit transfer policies between institutions of higher education; and

(3) internships, apprenticeships, and other work-based education programs.