Every year, Phoumy Keonine stands proud at two graduation ceremonies.
A chemistry H-TECH teacher at Emmett J. Conrad High School, he witnesses his students earn both their high school and college diplomas.
When he was recruited ten years ago, Keonine was excited at the prospect of preparing students for their future beyond the typical high school experience.
“At that time, we called it the collegiate program, where the kids can graduate with up to 60 college credit hours and an associate’s degree,” he said. “We help more students graduate every year compared to other schools because of the system we put in place.”
Now known as the H-TECH program, it holds a Distinguished ranking by the Texas Education Agency, and during the 2024-2025 school year, it topped the district with 103 students obtaining their associate degrees.
Students attend ninth and tenth grade at Conrad in a dedicated wing where they build a strong academic foundation. By their junior and senior years, students spend almost 90% of their week attending classes at the Dallas College Richland campus.
Offering several pathways, aligned with high-demand fields, students can pursue health, game design, network administration and support, or software programming.
Sophomore Dominion J., who has plans of pursuing the medical field like his parents, uncles, and sisters, says the opportunity to go to college is a blessing. “My sister graduated from H-TECH two years ago, and she was able to get a scholarship and attend college,” he said. “She’s currently pursuing nursing; the medical field is like a dream for all of us. What this program offers–the associate degree, having to pay less for college, and opportunities for scholarships–that’s really going to help us.”
With plans of becoming a nurse practitioner, sophomore Baileigh E. says students in the H-TECH program help keep each other accountable for their heavy workload by helping one another out and not letting anyone fall through the cracks.
“A lot of us hold ourselves and each other to higher standards,” she said. “We genuinely want the best for each other. It’s very collaborative. It can be difficult at times, but it’s all worth it in the end because you’re getting more opportunities.”
A decade in, Conrad H-TECH continues to set the standard for college readiness, equipping students with the skills, support, and confidence to succeed.
