HISD students have the opportunity to apply for the new Futures Academies at Jones High School. The districtwide program follows the HISD Board of Education’s decision to keep Jones High School open but to repurpose the campus into a home for a specialty program.

The Futures Academies at Jones — like other academies across the district — will allow students the chance to earn industry certifications, college credits, and even an associate’s degree, all at no cost.

Students who attend Jones will have two high-wage, high-demand career pathways to choose from: Health Sciences or Construction Technology. Health Sciences will give students the opportunity to work toward becoming a certified nurse assistant or certified personal trainer, with the possibility of going on to earn advanced degrees in nursing or physical therapy. Construction Technology will offer students the opportunity to work toward becoming an industrial electrician or HVAC technician, with the potential to earn advanced degrees in construction technology. Both programs will operate in partnership with Houston Community College.

“Our students can earn more than just a high school diploma. They are being prepared for both, high paying jobs and college,” said Geovanny Ponce, who recently was named as principal and will oversee the rollout of the new program and its pathways. “The decision to take a job or go on to pursue a four-year degree will be in their hands.” Ponce previously served as the principal of Hartman Middle School and is credited with helping to develop the school’s health and medical science magnet program.

The deadline to apply is May 21. Applications are available at the school as well as online at www.houstonisd.org/futuresacademy