TECH PREP

WHAT IS TECH PREP?

Tech Prep is "useful academics" in action. Tech Prep has been creating student successes for over a dozen years. It is a partnership (secondary-postsecondary-business), a process for teaching and learning, and a curriculum structure. It is effective because students' potential for academic and career success is enhanced when they are motivated to learn in the context of career pathways that are interesting to them.

Students who participate in Tech Prep programs can make a smooth transition from secondary to postsecondary education without experiencing delays, duplication of courses, or loss of credits. They receive technical preparation in at least one occupational field--engineering technology; academic science; mechanical industrial or practical arts of trade; agriculture; health or business. Completion of the Tech Prep Program prepares students technically and academically to join the work forces or continue formal training toward a bachelor degree. They will also learn the process to help them upgrade skills, advance careers, or apply for new technical positions of the future.

Tech Prep Definitions

Tech Prep Program-A Career and Technical Education program of study that----

1. Combines at least two years of secondary education in a state approved Tech Prep education program with the equivalent of two years of postsecondary education in a non-duplicative, sequential course of study articulated with a written agreement.

2. Strengthens the academic and vocational and technical components of career and technical education through the integration of rigorous technical and academic instruction which meets or exceeds Pennsylvania State Standards and utilizes work-based and worksite learning where appropriate.

3. Builds student competence in academic and technical education through a rigorous, coherent sequence of courses.

4. Leads to the completion of a two-year certificate, associate degree, or registered apprenticeship in a specific career field with skills which will enable the student to pursue both high-skill, high-wage employment and/or further education and may articulate into a baccalaureate degree program.

Benefits of Tech Prep Education

Tech Prep provides an articulated sequence of courses which:

• lead to an associate degree or two-year certificate
• provide technical preparation in at least one of the following fields: engineering technology, applied science, mechanical, industrial, or practical art of trade, agriculture, health, or business
• build student competencies, through "Advanced Academics", in mathematics, science, and by means of a sequential course of study
• lead to placement in employment