The P-TECH (Pathways in Technology Early College High School) program is a revolutionary educational initiative that integrates high schools, colleges, and technology companies. Created to meet the growing demand for skilled IT professionals, P-TECH offers students the opportunity to earn both a high school diploma and an associate degree in technology fields for free.

Key Features of the P-TECH Program:

1. Integrated Curriculum:

   • P-TECH combines traditional high school subjects with college-level courses, enabling students to complete both high school and earn an associate degree within 4-6 years.

2. Business Collaboration:

   • The program engages local technology companies that work with teachers and colleges to ensure the curriculum is current and practical. These companies offer students hands-on activities, workshops, and lectures.

3. Mentoring:

   • Students receive support from experienced industry mentors who help them develop both technical and soft skills and provide career advice.

4. Internships and Apprenticeships:

   • The program provides students with the opportunity to undertake internships and apprenticeships at tech companies, allowing them to gain valuable work experience and network within the industry.

5. Free Education:

   • Students participating in the P-TECH program incur no additional costs for college-level courses, making education more accessible.

Benefits for Students:

• Gaining Qualifications: Students graduate with both a high school diploma and an associate degree, increasing their competitiveness in the job market.
• Understanding Industry Realities: Through collaboration with tech companies, students get to know the real demands and trends in the IT industry.
• Skill Development: The program emphasizes the development of soft skills such as communication and teamwork, as well as technical skills, preparing students for diverse professional roles.
• Early Career Start: Program graduates have better job prospects and often start their careers in IT more quickly.

Role of Partner Companies (e.g., Fujitsu):

• Knowledge and Experience: Companies like Fujitsu share their knowledge and experience by organizing specialized workshops and presentations.
• Internships and Apprenticeships: Companies offer students the opportunity to undertake internships and apprenticeships, allowing them to gain practical work experience.
• Curriculum Development: Businesses participate in creating and updating the curriculum to align with current job market needs.
• Mentorship Support: Company employees serve as mentors, supporting students in their professional and personal development.

Example of Collaboration - Fujitsu:
I have been working at Fujitsu since 2017, and in 2024, I had the honor of participating in the P-TECH program as a guest lecturer on behalf of Fujitsu. I taught students the basics of Linux, which was an incredible experience for both me and the students. To make learning more engaging, I organized quizzes on the Kahoot platform for the students of class III D. The top three students received book prizes, and the best student in the entire class was a young girl, of whom I am particularly proud.

Conclusion:
The P-TECH program is an innovative combination of education and professional practice, offering students unique development opportunities and preparation for a career in the IT sector. By collaborating with colleges and tech companies, P-TECH enables young people to gain valuable qualifications and experience, significantly enhancing their chances of success in the rapidly changing job market.