Heart of Ohio Tech Prep FAQ's
What is College Tech Prep?
A: College Tech Prep is an exciting approach to learning that prepares students for the technology occupations of the future.
College Tech Prep is defined as a competency-based program that combines 2 years of high school and at least 2 years of college education while including a hands-on experience. College Tech Prep programs give students a common core of required proficiency in mathematics, communications (English), science, and technologies. At the high school level, Tech Prep is an alternative form of college prep education that combines college prep academics with technical skill education that students need to pursue a high-skill, high-wage technology career. College Tech Prep high school programs are designed to link with 2-year college associate degrees, with the option to continue on for a 4-year bachelor's degree.
The Ohio Department of Education and the Ohio Board of Regents jointly administer College Tech Prep federal and state funds. Grants are awarded to Tech Prep consortia -- partnerships of high schools, 2-year colleges, employers, and labor. Every consortium's mission is to develop and nurture Tech Prep programs in high schools and 2-year colleges in its service area. For more information about College Tech Prep in Ohio, visit the State Tech Prep web site online at www.techprepohio.org.
What is College Tech Prep's primary goal?
A: The primary goal of College Tech Prep is to prepare high school students for successful college experiences that allow them to complete associate and bachelor degree programs with higher-level technical skills and knowledge. These are the knowledge and skills needed to obtain and sustain well-paying careers in technology - where job growth and career opportunities are excellent. Students are also able to pursue a 4-year bachelor's degree after they complete the associate degree.
When do students enroll and what are their classes like?
A: Most high school students enroll in College Tech Prep beginning in the 11th grade. However, some programs begin in the 9th and/or 10th grade. Once students enroll in a College Tech Prep program, they spend a portion of each day learning technology-related skills in any one of 16 different career fields that may include Agri-business, Business, Construction, Engineering, Finance, Health Science, Information Technologies, Law and Public Safety, Manufacturing, Marketing, and Transportation Systems.
The remainder of the school day is spent in college-preparatory classes. Whenever possible, these classes are integrated with the College Tech Prep area of study in order to assist students to connect their academic learning to their technology experience and better prepare them for college.
What would help students to be successful in a College Tech Prep program?
A: Students’ chances for success in a College Tech Prep program would be enhanced if they have completed the following items before enrollment in the 11th grade:
1. Completion of Algebra I with a grade of C or better
2. Completion of two years of English with a grade of C or better
3. Completion of Biology with a grade of C or better (this is especially critical
for students enrolling in Health Tech programs)
4. No academic deficiencies
5. A good attendance record
6. Passage of all parts of the State Proficiency Test (preferred)
Please note that some schools have different (or additional) requirements for Tech Prep, so students or parents should check with a counselor or Tech Prep teacher at that school for more details.
How will College Tech Prep help prepare a student for college and a career?
A: Following graduation from a high school Tech Prep program, graduates should be well prepared to enroll and be successful in a 2-year technical associate degree program that can lead to a high-paying, in-demand job. Students can earn college credit in a related associate degree while still in high school (visit the articulation page for more information). Students can then transfer to a college or university to earn a 4-year bachelor's degree if they so desire.
Most students these days also work their way through college. Taking College Tech Prep in high school gives these college student valuable work skills, so they can find employment that builds their professional resume while working their way through their degree.
Examples of high-demand careers for Tech Prep 2-year college graduates include: accountant; interactive multimedia production specialist; computer aided design technician; Registered Nurse; medical assistant; robotics technician; construction field engineer; automotive master technician; computer programmer; network technician; PC specialist/trainer; journeyman electrician; construction site supervisor; landscape design technician; and more!
How do I know if College Tech Prep is right for a student?
A: College Tech Prep was designed mainly for students in the middle majority – those who are not comfortable with the traditional College Prep experience that includes a strong emphasis on classroom instruction. College Tech Prep programs engage students' interest by creating a learning environment that includes hands-on activities. The program emphasizes project-based learning -- all classes are taught within the context of career preparation. A student who is not challenged by most classroom learning but demonstrates an aptitude for high-technology fields, such as Agri-business, Business, Construction, Engineering, Finance, Health Science, Information Technologies, Law and Public Safety, Manufacturing, Marketing, and Transportation Systems may flourish in a Tech Prep program.
Isn't it better to just get a 4-year bachelor's degree program?
A: College Tech Prep prepares students for college, whether it is to pursue a 2-year associate degree or a 4-year bachelor's degree.
Tech Prep's primary emphasis is on high-demand, high-skill technology careers. These excellent jobs require more than a high school diploma, but often less than a bachelor's degree.Many of today’s technology-related jobs are high-skill positions with compelling career ladders--and with experience--excellent income potential.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of jobs requiring technical skills has tripled during the first decade of the 21st century. At the same time, the number of jobs requiring a 4-year degree has decreased from 20% to 18% during the same period of time It is clear that the need for skilled and knowledgeable technology workers is growing.
Technology careers are at the heart of College Tech Prep learning. And Tech Prep students who pursue a 4-year degree after getting an associate degree will be glad they have that technical training on which to build. Tuition is usually much less at a community colleges or 2-year college campus. Students who attend their college freshman and sophomore years at a 2-year institution and then transfer to a 4-year institution for the last two years can save a lot of money!
Is College Tech Prep available to all students?
A: The Heart of Ohio Tech Prep Consortium is funded with the assistance of state funds and federal Carl D. Perkins Act grants. It is the established policy of Central Ohio Technical College, Columbus State Community College, Ohio University, and all school affiliates in the consortium not to discriminate against any individual or group of individuals for reason of race, color, religion, ancestry, national original, gender, disability, pregnancy, age, or veteran status.
Where are College Tech Prep programs available?
A: Many College Tech Prep programs are available across the Heart of Ohio Consortium's eight-county service area. To view a list of high school and college-level Tech Prep programs and contact information, click here.
