First P-TECH school in the state celebrates first year

(ABC 6 News) – New technology and programs launched at Rochester Community and Technical College Thursday as part of P-TECH.

P-TECH stands for Pathways in Technology Early College High School. It’s a reform initiative created to prepare students with the skills they need for careers.

This public-private partnership allows students to take high school and college coursework simultaneously while engaging in industry-guided workforce development in one of two pathways.

RELATED: RPS will open first P-TECH school in the state

Students have the opportunity to earn both their high school diploma and a diploma in practical nursing or an Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology within four years (or up to six years) in the program model.

Students will receive workplace experiences through job shadows, mentors, and a paid internship.

"It’s all about getting students on a direct path so they can start what they finish with clear guidance without wavering from one class to another so we think this helps them be ready and the great thing is you go from point a and point b is the job with an industry partner already set up so what better things you can do you start school you know how you’re going to finish with a career so that’s what we are excited about here," RCTC President Dr. Jeffery Boyd said.

With a $1 million grant from the Minnesota Department of Education, the Rochester Public School District this will be the first P-TECH program in the state.

P-TECH is located on the Rochester Community Technical College campus.