Santa Fe ISD outlines new dual-credit options with UT ' on-ramps and Alvin College partnership

Santa Fe ISD administrators told trustees April 23 they plan to expand dual-credit opportunities for high school students next school year by adding a University of Texas "on-ramps" option and increasing coursework available through Alvin College while continuing the district's partnership with College of the Mainland.

Miss Harris explained the on-ramps model includes training a district teacher to deliver college-level curriculum with University of Texas oversight so students can receive UT-backed credit while remaining in district classrooms. Staff characterized the UT option as well regarded and said it would be introduced gradually as teachers are trained and courses are aligned.

The district also said it will continue and expand work with Alvin College (referred to in the record as Alvin College, a four-year institution), noting some courses may be online and others in-person. Trustees asked questions about costs, and staff replied the UT-backed option was expected to be comparable in tuition to Alvin College offerings; staff also said the district is still working through details on which specific courses and teachers will participate.

Board members welcomed the additional pathways and said increased access to dual credit could benefit students who live farther from partnering college campuses. Miss Harris said staff will return with more detailed implementation plans as teacher participation and course selections are finalized.