Lamar CISD covers tuition for new WCJC dual-credit pathways

Lamar CISD high schoolers can earn up to 15 college credit hours at no tuition cost under a new partnership with Wharton County Junior College.

The five-year agreement, signed Oct. 1, builds on the district's existing dual-credit offerings by creating new pathways toward an associate degree through WCJC. The district will cover the $64-per-credit-hour cost for participating students, according to a WCJC press release. Families will be responsible for required books and materials.

There are no GPA requirements or prerequisites beyond enrolling in one of the two pathways.

The agreement launches with two career and technical education programs:

• Business Office Technology at Terry High School, where students can earn a Level 1 Office Specialist Certificate and a Level 2 Administrative Assistant Certificate.
• Engineering Design Technology at Gene Tomas High School, where students can earn a Level 1 Certificate.

Terry and Gene Tomas will serve as academies for the programs, but students from all seven Lamar CISD high schools, including Fulshear High School, can participate. Students ideally enter the pathways in ninth grade and complete an ApplyTexas application as part of enrollment. They will also have access to WCJC advising and student support services.

Dr. Kayse Lazar, Lamar CISD executive director of CTE and career readiness, said in the press release that the partnership lets students begin working toward their futures while still in high school. "We want students to see that what they're learning today can lead somewhere, whether that's college, a credential or a career they're excited about," Lazar said.

WCJC President Dr. Amanda Allen called the college the top destination for Lamar CISD graduates and said the partnership would let students gain workforce-ready credentials before high school graduation. Community Impact first reported the partnership Oct. 19.

Lamar CISD is recruiting students for the new pathways during course selection in October and November. The first group of students will begin classes in fall 2027.