San Jac partners with local school districts to expand career pathways for students
PASADENA, Texas — San Jacinto College continues giving high school students more ways to earn college credit and begin preparing for high-demand careers. Partnerships with local independent school districts allows students to start down this path even before high school graduation.
Through dual credit and early college high school programs, the College works with ISDs across East Harris County to offer courses that count toward both high school diplomas and college degrees.
“These partnerships are about more than earning college credit – they’re about opening doors,” said Dr. Rhonda Bell, Central Campus provost. “Students can get a head start on their degree, save money, and begin building a future while they’re still in high school.”
San Jacinto College partners with districts including Aldine, Channelview, Pasadena, Sheldon, and others. The groups work closely to align curriculum and support students as they transition from high school to college.
Dual credit courses are taught by college instructors and have the same expectations as a college classroom resulting in immediate impact for students. Many graduate high school with a significant number of college credits or an associate degree.
And since dual credit courses are offered at a reduced cost compared to traditional college tuition many families see the benefits as well.
San Jacinto College is expanding its work with Aldine ISD through a growing partnership with Memorial Hermann Health System as part of the Health Education and Learning (HEAL) program.
Based at Nimitz High School, the HEAL program combines classroom instruction and hands-on health care training. Students participate in mentorships, internships, and real-world experiences in clinical settings. Beginning as early as ninth grade, students gain exposure to careers in nursing, pharmacy, physical and occupational therapy, medical imaging, and health care business administration.
“Aldine ISD is proud to partner with San Jacinto College to expand opportunities that give our students a strong start toward college and career success,” said Adrian Bustillos, Chief Transformation Officer. “Through dual credit, early college programs, and innovative initiatives like the HEAL program, our students are gaining real-world experience while building confidence in their future pathways. This partnership is creating meaningful connections that help students graduate with more than just a high school diploma, but with choices and opportunities.”
Together, these partnerships highlight a shared focus to expand educational access and create pathways from high school to career.
By connecting students to college earlier, San Jacinto College and its partners are helping students move forward faster and with more confidence.
About San Jacinto College
Surrounded by monuments of history, evolving industries, maritime enterprises of today,
and the space age of tomorrow, San Jacinto College has served the people of East Harris
County, Texas, since 1961. The College is ranked second in the nation among more than
1,100 community colleges, as designated by the Aspen Institute and was named an Achieving
the Dream Leader College of Distinction in 2020 and 2026. As a Hispanic-Serving Institution
that spans five campuses, plus an online college, San Jacinto College serves approximately
45,000 credit and non-credit students annually. It offers more than 200 degrees and
certificates across eight major areas of study that put students on a path to transfer
to four-year institutions or enter the workforce. The College is fiscally sound, holding
bond ratings of AA+ by Standard & Poor’s and Aa2 by Moody’s. San Jacinto College is
accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
