The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

After much anticipation, Chevron Phillips Chemical and QatarEnergy announced their plans on Wednesday morning for an $8.5 billion construction in Orange County. West Orange-Cove CISD shares its preparations for the economic impacts of this development, as they neighbor closely with the new facility. 

Superintendent Dr. Rickie Harris responded to the announcement by stating, "West Orange-Cove CISD is eager to partner with Chevron. We are educating and training tomorrow's workforce to impact the future. The benefits of the Chevron Phillips facility will impact our community, and we want to train a workforce that supports that growth. Our focus is keeping jobs in the area by preparing our students for those positions."

At West Orange-Stark, we take pride in offering endorsements in Arts and Humanities, Business and Industry, Public Service, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math), as well as an Early College High School, numerous dual credit opportunities, and support in college, career, and military readiness.

Through a partnership with LSCO, WOS ECHS program allows students to earn a high school diploma and an associate degree from Lamar State College Orange. Tuition,  transportation, and books are free for students in the ECHS program. A new class of first-year students is added annually.  In addition, more than 20 dual credit courses are available through a  partnership with Lamar State College Orange. These include free college courses in academic and career fields of the student's choice. The most recent addition to dual credit courses includes offerings in maritime, process technology, welding, cosmetology, business, health science, and criminal justice. Upon successful completion, students earn a level 1 certificate in their field of study, allowing them to enter the workforce immediately upon graduation.  

West Orange-Stark High School continues to add courses and certifications that will prepare our students for careers in the local industry. WOCCISD is poised and ready to assist our community in developing a workforce that can meet the needs of this wonderful employment addition to our community.