Tech Prep
What is Tech Prep?
Tech Prep programs combine at least two years of high school with two years of college to prepare students for technical careers in areas such as engineering technology, health and human services and business/information technology. Tech Prep programs lead to an associate degree, two-year certificate or career-focused apprenticeship. The objective of Tech Prep is to prepare students to join the technical workforce or continue their education towards a four-year degree.
As American educators strive to prepare young people for the 21st century workforce, we should remember the old adage, "Some people go to college, but everyone goes to work." That "everyone" includes the 70 to 75 percent of American teenagers who will never complete four-year degrees. For such students, Tech Prep can provide focus and a plan for entering a career upon graduation.
Programs of Study
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is moving toward a new model for technical education called Programs of Study. Programs of Study, like Tech Prep, coordinate coursework at the high school and college/postsecondary level to prepare students for challenging and rewarding careers in emerging technical fields. For more information, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Education's website by clicking here.
Tech Prep at Northampton
Northampton is home to the Lehigh Valley Tech Prep Consortium. Our office partners with the Lehigh Valley's high schools, colleges and universities to provide information and special programs. We also offer resources and workshops for Tech Prep teachers and parents.
Please feel free to contact us for more information:
Barbara Canfield
Director
bcanfield@northampton.edu
610-861-5559
JoAnne Mercovich
Secretary
jmercovich@northampton.edu
610-861-5562