1. What is Tech Prep and how can I get involved?
2. What is an articulated program?
3. What Tech Prep programs are available at my high school?
4. How do I get credit at college for my high school Tech Prep program?
5. What is the difference between Articulated Credit, Dual Enrollment and Concurrent Enrollment?
Q. What is Tech Prep and how can I get involved?
A. Tech Prep is a national initiative that helps high school students in career and technical education programs get a head start in college. Tech Prep students can often earn college credit by taking an articulated program during high school, where they earn high school credit and college credit at the same time. In some areas, Tech Prep students can also begin taking college courses related to their program of study while they’re still in high school at a substantially reduced rate, and may qualify for other incentive programs as well. Start out by talking to your high school counselor or career and technical education instructor about Tech Prep to find out what programs your high school offers.
Q. What is an articulated program?
A. A program that is articulated through Tech Prep means that the courses in the high school have been aligned with the college courses in the program, so students will not need to repeat coursework. These programs are often called 2+2 programs because students take two years in high school (junior and senior year) PLUS two years in college (freshmen and sophomore year) to complete their degree or certificate program. Students can also participate in a 2+2+2 program by taking the next two years of study at a university and finishing with a bachelor’s degree.
Q. What Tech Prep programs are available at my high school?
A. Around the state there are several program options such as Accounting, Agriscience, Automotive Technology, Business Information Technology, Culinary Arts, Drafting Technology, Early Childhood Professions, Graphic Design/Commercial Art, Hospitality, Sales & Marketing, Television and Radio Communication, Welding, and others. Students can also pursue careers in Healthcare, Fire Science & Emergency Medical Services, and Law Enforcement through Tech Prep. Generally, students begin as a freshman or sophomore with a basic introductory class, continue with an intermediate class, and enroll in the Tech Prep 2+2 program, taking more advanced courses during junior and senior years. Students completing the entire high school program are often eligible for college credit for these classes through Tech Prep, which can be used toward the articulated degree program offered at the college. Talk to your counselor or career and technical education instructor for specific information about your school. New Tech Prep program opportunities are being added yearly.
Q. How do I get credit at college for my high school Tech Prep program?
A. By taking the appropriate sequence of courses in the high school program, students may earn college credit at a participating local community college. Students wishing to earn the college credit are generally required to be enrolled in the Tech Prep program during junior and senior years in high school. Other requirements and costs vary depending on location and career program area. Talk to your career and technical education instructor or consortium Tech Prep director for specific details.
Q. What is the difference between Articulated Credit, Dual Enrollment and Concurrent Enrollment?
A. Tech Prep high school students can earn college credit in three different ways in East Valley: Articulated Credit, Dual Enrollment and Concurrent Enrollment. In an Articulated or Dual Enrollment program, students take a specific program of courses in high school that has been aligned with a corresponding community college program. These courses are taught during high school hours on the high school campus. Students who successfully complete the program and meet the articulation requirements will receive credit towards their degree or certificate program at the local community college. For dual credit programs, students enroll at the participating community college prior to taking the course and may be required to pay a fee to the college for the credit. This credit is immediately transcripted at the accepting college. Students enrolled in an articulated program do not generally pay tution, but you must request that credit be posted to your transcript upon successful completion of the course/program. Check with your course instructor for specific details.
In some areas, students can participate in concurrent enrollment by taking college courses in their program of study while still enrolled in high school. These courses are held at the community college or satellite campus, and students attend either before or after school or during release time. Many community colleges also offer reduced rates or other incentives to Tech Prep students who are concurrently enrolled in college and high school.
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