Just a few months ago at Southwest Schools, Dr. Felicia Adams, Superintendent of Schools, and Uyen Nguyen, Chief Academic Officer, had a vision to partner with the Houston Community College to bring an Early College Academy to Empowerment High School. In looking around at other charters in the Houston Area, they realized Southwest Schools had an opportunity to embark upon something innovative and exciting. While local ISDs typically offer Dual Credit programs, Southwest Schools is one of the first charter school districts where students can gain college admission to HCC, earn 60+ hours of dual credit at no cost, increase college and career readiness, create a seamless transition from high school to college, provide academic and social support services, and develop critical soft skills for college and career success.
To kick off Southwest’s first cohort of 39 freshman and sophomores, students participated in an Academic Signing Day where they committed to earning associate of arts degrees before their high school diplomas. One of those Southwest students is Diego Flores, 10th grader at Empowerment High School. Diego revealed that he wants to finish college early to begin his career in Computer Engineering. He also plays on Empowerment High School’s award-winning soccer team, where he will learn how to balance his newfound college classes with soccer practice. More importantly than living out his college dream of playing soccer at University of Florida, Diego is paving the way for his younger brother, Emilio, who has already accepted the challenge to join the Early College and Career Discovery Academy at Discovery Middle School as an eighth grader. “My brother makes me want to get better. I see him do this, and I want to do it too.” shared Emilio.
Dr. Adrienne Bykowicz, Principal of Empowerment High School, addressed the future graduates and parents in the audience. She reminded them “the journey will not always be easy, but it will be worth it!” Cecilia Salinas, Diego and Emilio’s mother, echoed Dr. Bykowicz’s sentiments, “I am so proud of my boys. We chose Southwest Schools due to the smaller, more family-oriented feel. We know this is a great opportunity to earn an associate degree while in high school. It saves money too!”
Along with families in the audience, Southwest School Board members, Jai Daggett and Daniel Saenz, attended the inaugural event. “This is life changing. These kids are on the very cusp of changing their lives,” said Daggett. Saenz reiterated, “This is an emotional day! We are ringing the bell of opportunity for our kids and community.” Even the President of Houston Community College Southwest, Dr. Madeline Burillo-Hopkins, gave an address to the students and families. “HCC welcomes Empowerment High School students as new HCC Eagles! HCC faculty & staff along with Swoop welcome as they commit to their college dual credit journey! We are very proud of them and HCC’s partnership with Southwest Schools!” HCC Southwest also tweeted, “Over 30 Empowerment High School students have become the newest HCC Eagles! The Swoop along with HCC faculty and staff were joined by the Southwest School leaders and teachers in celebrating the start of their new, dual credit program journey. Congratulations, new Eagles!”
Dr. Samuel West, Southwest’s CCMR Director, returned to SWS this year to expand these programs and make an impact on the students SWS serve. This fall, they will apply for the Pathways in Technology Early College High Schools (P-TECH) designation from the Texas Education Agency, which recognizes innovative, open-enrollment high schools that allow students least likely to attend college an opportunity to receive both a high school diploma and a credential and/or an associate degree. The hallmark of the P-TECH model is its career focus and the provision of work-based education.
If you are looking for an incredible future like Diego and Emilio, look no further! Southwest Schools’ Open Enrollment period opens November 1, 2022, and runs through January 13, 2023, and seats will fill up quickly. Students in grades 6th – 8th can apply for the Discovery Early College and Career Academy at Discovery Middle School. Students in grades 9th and 10th can apply for Early College and Career Academies at Empowerment High School. Students in the Career Academies can earn Industry Certifications in Health Science, Business, Marketing, & Finance, Arts, Audio/Video Technology, & Communications, and Education & Training. Additionally, we have juniors and seniors enrolled in Career and Technology Education Pathways. For more information, visit https://www.swschools.org/