Plano Independent School District’s Board of Trustees voted this week to launch a new electrical engineering academy in partnership with East Texas A&M University.
“Plano ISD continues to be nationally recognized for excellence by providing multiple opportunities for students to become college, career, military and life ready,” said Board President Lauren Tyra. “We went from having a Health Sciences Academy at Plano East, to launching Collegiate Academy at Plano Senior High, and now having a brand new Electrical Engineering Academy at Plano West, within two years. That is quite a feat for a district of our size and a testament to the hard work and dedication of our Plano ISD educators and partner institutions in higher education.”
The program will start next school year at Jasper High School and Plano West Senior High Schools. The academy will be open for 120 incoming 9th grade students, who will take courses at Jasper before earning dual credit at Plano West Senior High.
“Thanks to the support of our trustees and ETAMU leadership, we are so proud to offer another pathway further enhancing the high-quality advanced education offered in our district,” said Plano ISD Superintendent Theresa Williams. “The new academy is part of Pillar 2 of our strategic plan, where all Plano ISD students will have access to programs and experiences that will build a future-ready workforce and successfully bridge students to their chosen pathways.”
With the implementation of the Electrical Engineering Academy, the district will have a high school academy program at all three senior highs: Health Sciences at Plano East, Wildcat Collegiate at Plano Senior and the new program at Plano West.
“This partnership gives students a powerful head start—earning college credit, exploring career paths and gaining the skills to succeed in engineering and beyond. We’re proud to partner with Plano ISD to provide this opportunity,” said Mark Rudin, East Texas A&M University President.
