When it comes to preparing students for life after graduation, planning can make all the difference. At Victoria ISD, every student should have the chance to explore their interests early, set meaningful goals, and take steps toward their future while still in school. Whether students aspire to earn a college degree, gain hands-on career experience, or enter the workforce immediately after graduation, VISD offers a range of pathways that help them turn their dreams into reality.
For some students, that path begins with earning college credit while still in high school. Through VISD’s dual credit opportunities, students can take college-level courses taught by college professors or qualified VISD teachers. These classes enable students to earn both high school and college credit simultaneously, saving them money, time, and helping them adjust to college expectations before ever setting foot on a university campus. Dual credit courses are available in a wide range of subjects, from core academics to technical programs, giving students flexibility to pursue their individual goals.
Building on this opportunity, VISD launched Freshman 2 Freshman (F2F), an initiative designed to encourage every ninth grader to apply to Victoria College and begin their college journey as a high school freshman. The goal is to create a seamless bridge between high school and college, helping students earn up to 60 college credit hours by the time they graduate. For many, that means earning an associate degree alongside their high school diploma, a major head start toward a four-year degree or career certification.
For students looking for a challenge that strengthens critical thinking and academic rigor, Advanced Placement (AP) courses offer another opportunity to excel. AP classes, recognized internationally, allow students to engage with college-level material and potentially earn college credit through their AP exam scores. These courses build the kind of perseverance, study skills, and academic confidence that prepare students for success in higher education and beyond. Each year, VISD celebrates its AP Scholars, students who have demonstrated exceptional achievement and dedication through their performance on AP exams.
VISD also recognizes that success doesn’t look the same for every student. That’s why Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs play a vital role in providing real-world, hands-on experiences that connect classroom learning with high-demand careers. Students can explore pathways in fields like health science, business, engineering, education, and more — all while earning industry-recognized certifications that make them career-ready upon graduation.
Across all these opportunities, dual credit, F2F, AP, and CTE, one thing remains clear: students who plan ahead and take advantage of what VISD offers are better positioned for success. Early exploration helps students make informed decisions about their future and discover passions they might not have realized they had.
That’s why VISD is hosting the 2025 College and Career Expo for all current VISD 8th through 12th-grade students on Monday, Nov. 17, from 6 to 7 p.m. at Victoria East High School. The event is open to all students in grades 8–12 and their families. The Expo is designed to help students explore educational and career pathways, connect with representatives from colleges, training programs, and employers, and learn more about opportunities available within VISD’s own programs.
Whether your child is just starting to think about high school courses or is preparing for graduation, the Expo provides valuable insight and direction for what comes next. It’s never too early, or too late, to start planning for the future.
Because at Victoria ISD, we believe that exploring the right path starts with knowing what’s possible.
Ashley Alvarez is the Executive Director of Communications for Victoria ISD.