Editor’s Note: Photographers will get the opportunity to visit a related class or two for b-roll.

 Austin ISD, Austin Community College and IBM will announce the planning of a Pathways to Technology Early College High School partnership, slated to open at Lanier Early College High School fall 2019.

The announcement is the first step toward creating a state-designated P-TECH school in Texas. Lanier will join approximately 120 P-TECH schools nationwide, which provide students an opportunity to earn high school diplomas and technology-focused associates degrees at no cost in preparation for successful careers in technology. The P-TECH model includes mentors for students, work-based learning experiences, paid internships and first in line job interviews guaranteed for every graduate.

Who: Representatives from Austin ISD, Austin Community College and the IBM International Foundation, as well as an IBM P-TECH graduate.

What: Announcement of Texas’ first P-TECH school, in partnership with ACC and IBM, to prepare students for careers in technology. A reception will follow in the library.

When: 10 a.m., Wednesday, April 25

Where: Lanier Early College High School foyer (outside the front office), 1201 Payton Gin Road

Background: AISD has six early college high schools. Austin ISD was awarded the P-TECH/Industry Cluster Innovative Academies Planning Grant to partner with ACC and IBM. The grant is in response to the Workforce Solutions-Capital Area Workforce Board's analysis of skill needs in computer and information technology.