Upper East Texas Tech Prep/School-to-Work Partnership

Tech Prep:
What is Tech Prep? | Articulation | Executive Committee | High Schools

What is Tech Prep?

Tech Prep is a process that links high school programs and technical curricula with postsecondary technical curricula to create a program of study without duplication of coursework. Key elements of this process include:

Career guidance and counseling for students, informing them of program and career options, and encouraging goal setting;
In-service training for secondary and postsecondary teachers to enable effective implementation of Tech Prep programs;
In-service training for secondary and postsecondary counselors to more effectively recruit students, ensure successful program completion, and place students in appropriate employment; and
Preparatory and support services to assist program participants, including provisions for equal access for special populations students.

Tech Prep is a partnership among secondary educators, postsecondary educators, and the business community. In Texas, these partnerships are the twenty-six regional Tech Prep consortia that work in concert with other partnerships, such as Texas Scholars, High Schools That Work, and Youth Advisory Councils, to coordinate Tech Prep and related initiatives.

Tech Prep programs are college preparatory programs for technical careers that are based on the Recommended High School graduation program, providing guidance to career-oriented students to select academic and career and technology courses that will prepare them for the high-tech workplace. These programs include:

ARTICULATED COURSES that provide opportunities for high school students to earn college credit for technical courses without paying tuition; and
ARTICULATED SIX-YEAR PLANS that list all high school and college courses needed to achieve a student's college and career goals. Tech Prep programs of study include articulated courses and may include courses for concurrent and Advanced Placement credit and dual credit.

With Tech Prep courses you can:

Earn up to 15 college credits (ONE FULL SEMESTER) for courses you take in high school - FREE COLLEGE CREDITS & FREE TUITION!!
Prepare and qualify you for a high wage career or advanced degree
Help you apply what you learn to the career you are interested in
Get hands-on training that will help you compete successfully in the job market
Gain high demand employment skills
Better prepare you to continue your college education
Enable you to begin college with an entire semester completed!

How can you receive Tech Prep credit?

> Talk to your counselor or Tech Prep Leader about the Tech Prep programs that are offered at your high school and learn which community college(s) offers the program you are interested in

> You must make a "B" (80) or better in your Tech Prep class

> Enroll at the applicable community college, declare a major in your Tech Prep field, successfully complete 12 credit hours, and use the Tech Prep petition form to petition for your credits. You have 15 months from your high school graduation to petition for your credits.

How do I petition for Tech Prep credit?

> After graduation from high school, the Tech Prep Consortium will mail you your Tech Prep Credit Form that lists the potential classes you may be eligible to receive Tech Prep Credit for at the community college (Northeast Texas Community College, Paris Junior College, or Texarkana College).

> Make an appointment with the Tech Prep Director to review your high school transcript. At this time, the Tech Prep Director will decide if all requirements have been met and submit the Tech Prep Credit Form to the college for credit.

> NOTE: You will not receive the Tech Prep credits until you have successfully completed a minimum of 12 semester hours of college work, which must be completed within 15 months of high school graduation. You must declare a major, preferably in your Tech Prep field. Final approval for award of Tech Prep credit is at the discretion of the community college.