• focus on a program of study that includes math, science, language arts, and technology
• help you explore career clusters
• help you select a career path
• help you set goals to achieve your dreams
• provide opportunities and experiences that will lead to careers in technical, business, allied health, and public service areas
• help you design your high school course of study
• help you develop effective study habits
• provide skills that are needed in the work place
• help you prepare for college and /or the workforce

As a TECH PREP student you will

• Receive career counseling.  You will set goals, and you will choose a career pathway which you will follow through high school graduation and college.  Of course, you will always have your counselor and Tech Prep teachers behind you all the way.
• Look forward to going to class!  Yes!!!  Can you imagine actually looking forward to going to class?  You will in Tech Prep.  you will be learning first hand.  For example, you may work with an engineer to learn math applications or with a lab technician to learn science.  It is so much better to learn by doing rather than listening to a lecture, isn't it?
• Develop skills for entry into the workforce and college.  Cruising through high school by taking course "just to get through school" with not prepare you for the workplace or for college.  Employers are looking for employees with good technical skills who can think, solve problems and communicate.  Colleges are looking for students who have taken college prep classes.  Tech Prep will prepare you for work and college.

As a TECH PREP student you must participate in required academic classes including, but not limited to:

• 3 credits in secondary math (2 college prep) equal to content of Algebra 1 or above
• 3 credits in science (2 college prep) equal to content of biology or above
• 4 credits in English (4 college prep)
• actively fulfill the vocational requirements for an appropriate sequence of vocational courses.
• minimal requirements for an associate degree or apprenticeship program.

As a Tech Prep student you can transfer to the college prep program at any grade level as long as you meet the minimum requirements.

You may also work through your counselor to participate in dual credit classes.  (With permission, you may be able to take college courses and receive both high school and college credit at the same time.)

Through articulation you may take a high school course and receive college credit or advanced placement in a college program.

As a Tech Prep student you choose a career pathway.  Highlands Tech Prep Consortium has chosen three major career clusters form which you may choose.  These clusters consist of a major career area in which you may discover many career options.

Business/Marketing Pathway

• Business Technology

• Accounting/Bookkeeping

• Administrative Support Technician

• (Specialization in Legal Assisting)

• Information Systems Technology

• Business Management

• (Specializing in Marketing)

Engineering/Industrial Pathway

• Drafting and Design

• Electronics Technology

• Engineering Technology

• Machine Technology

Manufacturing Pathway

• Human Services

• (Early Childhood Development)

• Dental Hygiene

• Nursing

• Physical Therapy Assistant

• Medical Lab Technology

• Radiography

• Police Science

TECH PREP will help you realize your dreams...

As a TECH PREP student you will:

choose a postsecondary goal.  Through TECH PREP you will participate in high level and/or advanced/college prep academic classes.  After you graduate from high school, you may choose to enter the workforce immediately, or you may consider continuing your training and education which will increase your skills and qualifications to make you more competitive in the job market.

Through TECH PREP you may participate in an articulation program of study which may provide college credit or advanced college placement for courses completed in high school.  One advantage is that articulation credits are free and are listed on your college transcript as transfer credits once you are accepted into an academic program in a community college or four year college or university.

Community Colleges offer vocational and technical programs leading to certificates, diplomas, or associate degrees.  They also offer two-year transfer programs.

Four Year Colleges/Universities offer a wide variety of academic programs leading to a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree.  Check with your guidance counselor about college information.

You may choose Apprenticeship Training which is a planned program combining training on the job with classes.  While in training, you are paid about half the wages of a trained employee.  You must participate in a required number of hours of classroom instruction.

Technical Schools provide training for specific occupations that do not require a college degree.

Another alternative is On-the-Job Training.  Some employers will train you while you work.

TECH PREP is also offering a career coach this year.

PROGRAM DEFINITION: Community College Career Coaches are community college employees placed in local high school students define their career aspirations and to recognize community college and other programs and services that can help achieve them. They inform students and their parents of career exploration and planning opportunities and high school to community college transitional programs such as dual enrollment, articulated credit, Path to Industry Certification, and Bridge Partnership. Career Coaches also advise students on career pathways accessible through secondary and post secondary career and technical programs, apprenticeships, and industry certifications and licensures. The ultimate goal of the Community College Career Coach is to increase the number of high school graduates prepared for employment and/or community college enrollment in a career and technical field.

PROGRAM CONTACT
M. Elizabeth Creamer
Director, Postsecondary Perkins/Tech Prep
Virginia Community College System
(804) 819-4691
ecreamer@vccs.edu

A helpful site that TECH PREP recommends is careerclusters.com