H.B. No. 20 establishes the Applied Sciences Pathway program within the Texas Education Code, specifically adding Section 29.914. This program aims to provide high school students the opportunity to earn both a high school diploma and a certificate from institutions of higher education concurrently. The commissioner of education is tasked with administering the program and approving partnerships between school districts or open-enrollment charter schools and higher education institutions. These partnerships will offer a non-duplicative sequence of courses leading to a diploma and a certificate in various high-demand industries, including plumbing, electrical work, welding, and information technology, among others.

The bill also outlines specific requirements for participating partnerships, such as enabling students in grades 11 and 12 to enroll in certificate programs while satisfying high school graduation requirements. Additionally, it allows for the substitution of certain high school credits with career and technology education courses provided under the program, ensuring that students can earn credits towards graduation. The program is set to begin in the 2025-2026 school year and will expire on September 1, 2031, unless extended. The commissioner is also required to adopt necessary rules for the program's administration.

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