The Model: a seamless program for students

In a P-TECH school, students earn a high school diploma, an industry-recognized associate degree, and gain relevant work experience in a growing field. The schools create a seamless program for students to acquire the academic, technical, and workplace skills that employers need.

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How it works

P-TECH is a partnership among K-12, community college and industry, each making long-term commitments and contributing their best expertise to provide students with rigorous and hands-on academic, technical and workplace experiences.

The unique culture of a P-TECH school is built upon high expectations for students and a belief that all students can earn their college degree. Students see themselves as “college students” and “on a career pathway” from the moment they begin 9th grade. The model integrates high school and college coursework, enabling students to begin college courses as soon as they are ready. Students also participate in a range of workplace opportunities that include mentoring, site visits and paid internships — all designed to support students’ academic and professional growth.

P-TECH includes urban, rural and suburban schools and encompasses a range of STEM fields, including IT, advanced manufacturing, healthcare and finance. What defines P-TECH schools is a set of six key tenets.

The Six Key Tenets of the
P-TECH Model

Public-Private Partnership

A P-TECH school relies on developing and sustaining healthy partnerships with and among the school district, community college and one or more major employers.

Six Year
Integrated Program

P-TECH schools offer an integrated Scope & Sequence of high school and college courses, mapped to industry skills needed, and leading to postsecondary degree for all students.

Open Enrollment

P-TECH schools have no grade or testing requirements for admission.

Workplace
Learning

Students acquire and refine workplace skills, both in classrooms and during hands-on experiences, such as mentoring, worksite visits, speakers, project days, skills-based, and paid internships.

Cost Free

As an added incentive to students — and to support their achievement — P-TECH, and in particular the associate degree, is provided at no cost to students and their families.

First in Line for Jobs

P-TECH Industry Partners commit to making graduates first in line for jobs. While not a guarantee of employment, this promise signals to students that if they do well in school, they will receive an opportunity to interview for available entry-level roles.