Tech Prep
Since the U. S. Department of Labor has found that many of the jobs in the next decade will require more than a high school diploma, but less than a four year degree, Essex Agricultural and Technical High School offers the Tech Prep program. Tech Prep features applied, contextual learning in a focused curriculum - an approach that works best with more than 40% of learners. What does this mean? If you learn best by hands-on activities as opposed to just lecture then Tech Prep is for you.
The Tech Prep program parallels the college-prep course by combining two years of high school with at least two years of post-secondary education. You can earn college credits in articulated courses taught at the high school in which you earn a “B” or higher. In the end, you will be required to take fewer courses in college thus eliminating unnecessary repetition of courses and training. Ultimately, you can save money and possibly graduate earlier.
Tech Prep also gives you the opportunity to attend various Career Days at North Shore Community College (NSCC) and other institutions. These career days familiarize you with college life and give you an understanding of the various programs NSCC offers. Upon successful completion of the Tech Prep program, you have many options including guaranteed admission into the articulated programs at NSCC. Upon completing an associate’s degree, you are ready to begin a career or continue your college education at a four year college/university.
Through “Tuition Advantage,” Tech Prep awards tuition discounts to graduates who enter four year state colleges/universities with a “B” average or higher. Through the “Two plus Two” program, students who graduate with an associates degree and a “B” average or higher have all of their community college credits transferred to the state college/university they will be attending.
Currently, Essex Aggie has seven courses with articulation agreements with North Shore Community College: Arboriculture, Floral Design II, Chainsaws, Grooming I and II, Landscape Construction, and Small Engines and Hydraulics.