Austin ISD will break ground May 13 on an approximately 5,000-square-foot building to accommodate the new Career Launch program at LBJ Early College High School.

The program, a partnership with Seton Healthcare Family and Austin Community College, allows students to earn an associate degree in health science, preparing them to further their education in the medical field.

Phase one of the construction project is expected to be complete by the start of the new school year. Construction, which is estimated at $1 million, includes a 10-bed nursing skills lab, four classrooms, a conference room, storage, a reception area, collaboration space and two offices.

Who: Superintendent Paul Cruz, LBJ ECHS Principal Sheila Henry, District 1 Trustee Edmund T. Gordon,  Chief Advocacy Officer for Seton Healthcare Family Geronimo Rodriguez and representatives from Austin Community College

When: 10 a.m. Saturday, May 13

Where: LBJ Early College High School, 7309 Lazy Creek Drive

Background: An approximately $800,000 grant from the Texas Education Agency allows AISD to begin Career Launch at two early college high schools. Career Launch, a six-year program, provides students the opportunity to graduate with their high school diploma, an associate degree, industry certifications and practical workplace experience and mentoring. The program is designed to help students launch careers in fields that are expected to have high demand for skilled employees. 

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AISD is the largest school district in central Texas, serving more than 83,000 students at 130 schools. Follow AISD on Facebook at www.facebook.com/austinisd, Instagram at @austinisd or on Twitter at @AustinISD.