What is College Tech Prep?

College Tech Prep is the educational initiative of the future­and it's here today. In Ohio, College Tech Prep is defined as a competency-based program of combined secondary and post-secondary educational and occupational experience that includes a common core of required proficiency in mathematics, science, communications, and technologies designed to lead to an associate degree or certification in specific career fields.

Early career education and career exploration are critical components of College Tech Prep programs and begin with the student's Individual Career Plan, or ICP, in grade nine. College Tech Prep programs arrange the study of mathematics, science, communication, technology, and specific technical skills in a step-by-step progression of coordinated curricula that lead to employable, technical skills upon high school graduation. College Tech Prep emphasizes teamwork, hands-on learning, worksite experiences, critical thinking, and problem solving.

Launched in 1991, College Tech Prep has been implemented through consortia composed of employers, community and technical colleges, universities, and secondary schools. Currently, there are 26 funded College Tech Prep consortia in Ohio, involving:

• 44 public colleges, universities, and regional campuses
• All Vocational Education Planning Districts
• 400+ school districts
• 600+ business, industry, and labor representatives

College Tech Prep prepares students with the advanced skills necessary for technical occupations by the end of the second year of the college's technical program, an internship, or an apprenticeship program. This is accomplished through a comprehensive program that senses and responds to changing technical needs of business, industry, and labor.

Students get real-world working experience, career exploration, training in today's newest technologies, and the academic foundation they need to succeed in college. In short, College Tech Prep students leave high school with employable technical skills that also serve as a solid foundation to advanced technical career pathways designed in conjunction with community and technical colleges for those pursuing higher education in their field of interest.

College Tech Prep also is referred to as Another Way to go to College.