American Constructors is proud to celebrate the completion of Del Valle ISD’s new P-TECH and Early College High School building, a 49,855 square-foot, two-story facility that will house the district’s Advanced Manufacturing and Cybersecurity P-TECH programs. Equipped with modern classrooms, specialized labs, and hands-on learning spaces, the school is designed to provide students with the skills and certifications needed for successful careers in high-demand fields that they can begin upon graduation.
The district celebrated the grand opening ceremony of the Early College High School and P-TECH building on Saturday, August 3. Check out the event highlights in the video below. We also sat down with Project Manager Stephen Nemec to dive into the construction process and innovative design elements that brought this project to life.
AC: What types of P-TECH programs will be offered at the new facility?
Stephen: The P-TECH studio features cutting-edge spaces for robotics and cybersecurity programs, as well as upper-level science classes. It also includes a networking lab and a robotics arena designed for community-wide events such as robotics competitions, seminars, and exhibits. The skills students will learn in these spaces will equip them with the experience and certifications they need to begin high-paying jobs right out of high school, which is really exciting.
AC: What were some of the challenges you faced during this project? How did the project team overcome them?
Stephen: The robotics and cybersecurity spaces required unique electrical configurations, including large, dedicated areas for server units and other equipment. We had to establish individual Wi-Fi networks for each cybersecurity classroom that would allow students to practice creating and breaking into firewalls without disrupting the district’s main network. By working closely with the district, we ensured these spaces were equipped with the necessary technology to support student success.
AC: How will this school benefit the Del Valle community?
Stephen: One of the standout features of this project is the creation of dedicated spaces specifically designed for these programs. Previously, the district had to adapt existing high school facilities, but now, students will benefit from spaces tailored to their exact needs. Additionally, the district can now host public robotics and cybersecurity competitions with other schools, fostering connections between students and the broader Austin community.
Additionally, Tesla announced a $600,000 donation for robotics training equipment at the new studio earlier this year. It’s wonderful to see that funding support Del Valle students and prepare them for highly sought-after careers that they can start right after graduation.
AC: What was your favorite part about working on the project?
Stephen: It was incredibly rewarding to work on a project that we know will have a positive impact on Del Valle students and the overall community. I’m confident we’ll continue to see some awesome achievements from these students as they move into their new space for the 2024 school year. We’re also proud to have delivered this project to the district on time and under budget and grateful to Del Valle ISD for entrusting our team with this important work!