Governor’s ‘academies’ target specialized jobs

Gov. Greg Abbott’s plan to launch “Texas Industry Cluster Innovative Academies” in high schools across the state is a good idea, a long-term effort to meet specialized workforce needs.

The plan will give students a head start on preparing for jobs in high-demand occupations, including college credit for courses in those fields while still in high school.

There’s a difficulty to overcome, of course. How many high school students can pick a career path and stick with it all the way through college graduation?

That’s easier for some students than for others. But Abbott’s plan is well worth trying.

The plan calls for $7.2 million in grants to high schools that join institutions of higher education and industry partners to set up the academies.

The targeted careers will be in advanced technologies and manufacturing, aerospace and defense, biotechnology and life sciences (including healthcare), energy, information and computer technology, and petroleum refining and chemical products.

This story was originally published September 6, 2016 at 5:52 PM with the headline "Governor’s ‘academies’ target specialized jobs."