Tech Prep is a bold educational initiative under the Education-to-Careers umbrella designed to prepare a highly qualified technical workforce. The changing workplace provides opportunity but also demands new skills in communication, computation, problem solving and critical thinking. Individuals must understand the culture of the workplace and be able to contribute positively to the company's success. Tech Prep addresses these workplace demands by integrating college preparatory coursework with a rigorous concentration of technical education.
Tech Prep requires the partnership of technical and academic educators, educators and business representatives, and secondary and postsecondary educators. Together meeting the challenge of preparing students for the future.
Tech Prep Sequence of Courses
A Tech Prep sequence consists of academic and technical courses taught during the two years of secondary school preceding graduating and at a minimum 1) two years of community college leading to an Associate of Applied Science degree and/or 2) an apprenticeship of at least two years following high school. The sequence includes integrated academic and technical content, workplace skills, and instruction delivered both at the worksite and in the school/college setting. Some programs may also articulate to a four year baccalaureate degree.
Tech Prep Occupation
For an occupation to be considered Tech Prep, it must meet all of the following criteria:
Tech Prep Articulated Credit
High school students may be eligible to earn college credit for skills learned/mastered at the high school level. This eliminates unnecessary duplication of efforts and allows the student to complete the Associate of Applied Science degree in a shorter time span. To receive Tech Prep articulated credits, the student must: 1) complete the appropriate classes at the high school with a C or better; 2) enroll in the approved Tech Prep program at DACC; 3) apply for the credit with the appropriate DACC division office. Contact the DACC Tech Prep office (443-8582) for further information.
Tech Prep Programs
DACC courses of study currently designed for the Tech Prep career path are: