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 with the opportunity to earn both a high school diploma and certificates 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 to offer a sequence of courses that lead to high-demand job placements in various industries, including plumbing, electrical work, welding, and information technology, among others.

Additionally, the bill outlines specific requirements for partnerships, such as enabling students in grades 11 and 12 to enroll in certificate programs while satisfying high school graduation requirements. It also 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 while participating in this pathway. The program is set to begin in the 2025-2026 school year and will expire on September 1, 2031, unless extended.

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