What is Local Certification

As the number of students living in poverty continues to grow, schools are being tasked with finding ways to provide opportunities for life in the post-secondary world. Financial barriers often restrict these students from entering college or technical schools. In Texas, many schools are using the early college high school model to provide students with college credit at no cost to the student. Additionally, career and technical education programs coupled with the District of Innovation designation are allowing schools to provide students with work related experience and skills that will allow them to enter the skilled labor market upon graduation. This chapter explains the framework of these programs and how they are providing students of poverty with opportunities to be successful after high school, while facing their current financial struggles. Along with the benefits provided to students, the schools and communities are also feeling the benefits of these programs.