Read the letter about the NYS P-TECH program
Dear Parents/Guardians,
The District made an initial announcement last year regarding the award of a grant for the New York State Pathways in Technology Early College High School Program (NYS P-TECH) in the total amount of $2,582,632 to be spent over a six year period from January 1, 2021 through June 30, 2027. Although the grant activities were postponed for one year due to the pandemic, we are excited to move forward with the program.
The District plans to welcome an inaugural class of 20 - 25 students into the Ellenville P-TECH Academy for the 2021-2022 school year. Students who are currently enrolled in Grade 8 will have the opportunity to apply for admission. In the early spring, Grade 8 students and their families will be encouraged to learn more about the P-TECH program via several planned informational events.
The New York State Pathways in Technology (NYS P-TECH) program is a public-private partnership that prepares students for high-skills jobs of the future in the areas of technology, manufacturing, healthcare, and finance. The NYS P-TECH model delivers five core benefits to students:
-
A rigorous and relevant “Grades 9 to 14” education focused on the knowledge and skills students need for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) careers, at no cost to the family;
-
Workplace learning that includes ongoing mentoring by professionals in the chosen career sector, worksite visits, speakers, and internships;
-
Intensive, individualized academic support by K-12 and college faculty within an extended academic year or school day that enables students to progress through the program at their own pace;
-
An Associate of Applied Science degree (A.A.S.) or certification in a high-tech field; and
-
The commitment to be first in line for a job with the participating business partners following completion of the program.
Our P-TECH program will focus on building technical and professional skills to support the manufacturers in our region. Students will be offered the opportunity to pursue an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S) degree in Network Administration or a Certificate in Manufacturing Technology. Career pathways will begin in Grade 9 and include workplace learning and high school and college coursework. The pathway will provide a seamless sequence of study extending beyond Grade 12 through two years of postsecondary career and technical education.
To ensure a successful P-TECH experience for our students, the District has formed partnerships with the Council of Industry and SUNY Ulster, both of which have experience in design and implementation of a P-TECH program. The Council of Industry is a leader in workforce development in the Hudson Valley and SUNY Ulster focuses on providing two-year degree and certification programs. Our partners are eager to work together to build a strong workforce that can support the manufacturing industry throughout the region.
Sincerely,
Lisa A. Wiles
Superintendent of Schools