Dayton ISD is expanding its dual credit opportunities for high school students through a new partnership with Lamar University in Beaumont. At the July 15 school board meeting, trustees approved the agreement, which will offer new Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses in welding, audio/visual technology, culinary arts, and agricultural science to students in grades 10 through 12 at Dayton High School.
The new partnership does not replace the district’s existing collaboration with Lee College, which provides dual credit options in core academic subjects such as math, language arts and history. Instead, it enhances the district’s overall dual credit offerings, according to Superintendent Dr. Travis Young.
“Lee College offers some CTE courses, and Lamar University is offering others that will give us a wide variety for our students,” Young said. “We are looking to bring in health sciences next year. We love our partnerships with both Lee College and Lamar University. This is just giving us another level.”
Young expressed optimism that more Dayton High School students will take advantage of the expanded dual credit options, earning college credit — and even degrees — before graduating.
“We would love to see more students earning their associate degrees before they even walk across the stage as Dayton High School graduates,” he said.
One key advantage of the new CTE courses is that they will be held on the Dayton High School campus, making them more accessible to students.
As the start of the school year nears, parents, guardians and eligible students will be notified of the new options.
“Students will be able to sign up through the counseling department at the high school. Information will also be sent out to our parents and students,” Young said.
According to Young, Lamar University currently partners with 68 other school districts across the region for similar programs. Dayton ISD is now the 69th district to join the program.
This is great