TEENS: Get a jump start on a future career or earn college credit while at home

COLLEGE STATION – Teens stuck at home due to COVID-19 can get a jump start on preparing for a future career or earning college credit with no-cost and low-cost online training offered by the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX).

They can take online courses that are approved for college credit by the American Council on Education (ACE), which is accepted at more than 400 U.S. colleges and universities. Other courses are approved for continuing education units (CEUs) by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).

“We are pleased to offer these online learning opportunities for students whose schools are closed during this time,” said Dr. Tony Tasillo, Manager of TEEX Educational Initiatives. “TEEX offers training in seven career pathways that can help students in their future careers after high school, whether they plan to immediately enter the workforce or attend college.

“This is part of our outreach to high school students who can benefit from a number of training opportunities available through TEEX, including cybersecurity and information technology, forensic science, and water and electric utilities.”

For example, he said students who successfully complete all 10 cybersecurity courses offered through TEEX — at no cost — can earn up to 10 hours of college credit through ACE.

Students interested in a career in criminal justice can complete low-cost, online courses offered by the Texas Forensic Science Academy at TEEX.

“Students have the opportunity to take the same training that law enforcement practitioners take,” said Christine Ramirez, Training Manager for the Academy. “This training would benefit students seeking additional training or careers in law enforcement after high school. It would certainly enhance their resume.”

“These online training courses not only benefit the students and their families by saving on tuition costs,” Tasillo said, “but it could jump-start the student’s future career.”

Tasillo added that TEEX is a Texas Education Agency (TEA)-approved provider, so Texas teachers could also use this time at home to complete TEEX courses that align with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) and count the training hours as continuing education credit toward the renewal of their Texas Teacher’s Certificate.

To learn more about TEEX training opportunities for students, teachers and administrators, visit: https://teex.org/training/education-outreach/

To learn more about the American Council on Education – College Credit Recommendation Service, visit: https://www.acenet.edu/ . Click on “CREDIT Evaluations.”