Heart of Texas Regional Pathways Network
Discover the tools, resources, and pathways to guide students toward thriving careers in the Heart of Texas.
Who We Are
The Heart of Texas Regional Pathways Network is a collaborative partnership among school districts, colleges, and industry leaders working together to prepare students for high-demand jobs in Bosque, Falls, Freestone, Hill, Limestone, and McLennan counties. Established to align education and workforce efforts, our leadership team aims to ensure that every student has access to meaningful career pathways that support their success and drive regional economic growth.
What We Do
We are dedicated to developing, implementing, and monitoring regional strategies that create high-quality career and education pathways into key industries. Our work includes enhancing work-based learning opportunities, fostering strong education and industry partnerships, and streamlining data and communication to better connect and inform stakeholders across the region. This approach ensures a cohesive system that prepares students for success and meets the evolving needs of local industries.
We're transforming education and career readiness across the Heart of Texas. Here's how:
CTE Programs of Study Aligned with Targeted Occupations
Programs of study are career-focused course sequences that provide real-world experiences and lead to a post-secondary credential. In the Heart of Texas, 224 programs align with our targeted occupations, supporting growth in high-demand industries.
⇔ 2029 Regional Goal: Increase the number of CTE Concentrators and Completers in programs of study for targeted occupations by 15%.
CTE Completers Enrolled in Targeted Programs of Study
A CTE Completer has finished 3 or more courses with at least 4 credits, including an advanced course, in an approved program of study. There are 1,351 CTE completers in the region, and other regional data shows that completers are more likely to enroll in higher education. This indicates that CTE pathways effectively prepare students for both careers and further education, making it crucial to expand these pathways to build a skilled workforce for high-demand industries.
⇔ 2029 Regional Goal: Increase the number of CTE Concentrators and Completers in programs of study for targeted occupations by 15%.
CTE Concentrators Enrolled in Targeted Programs of Study
A CTE Concentrator is a student who has completed two or more courses in a single program of study. There are 6,100 CTE concentrators in the region, and other regional data shows that concentrators are more likely to enroll in higher education, which supports that CTE pathways provide a strong foundation for both careers and continued education. Expanding these programs is key to equipping students with the skills needed for success in high-demand fields.
⇔ 2029 Regional Goal: Increase the number of CTE Concentrators and Completers in programs of study for targeted occupations by 15%.
R-PEPs and Other Regional Rural Collaborations
Rural Pathway Excellence Partnership Programs (R-PEPs) help rural school districts create college and career pathways aligned with high-wage, high-demand careers, including advising and work-based learning. There is one R-PEP and three other rural collaborations in our region. With many Heart of Texas schools in rural areas, strengthening industry connections and expanding work-based learning opportunities is key to success.
⇔ 2029 Regional Goal: Increase in the number of R-PEPs and other rural collaborations between secondary education, post-secondary education, and industry by 50%.
Healthcare
Target Industry Insights
Manufacturing
Target Industry Insights
Construction
Target Industry Insights
Upcoming Trainings & Conferences
17th Annual YES! Expo
BASE at Extraco Events Center
4600 Bosque Blvd, Waco, Texas 76710
Shaping Tomorrow’s Heart of Texas Workforce
The Heart of Texas Regional Pathways Network is committed to creating a seamless, supportive system that helps students transition from high school to postsecondary education and into rewarding careers in high-demand fields. Whether you’re a student exploring career options, an educator seeking pathway resources, or an employer interested in partnering with us, this site is your gateway to the programs and opportunities that are shaping the workforce of tomorrow in the Heart of Texas.
