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Follow on Google News | P-TECH Links Education to Economic DevelopmentDunkirk Central School District and Erie 2 BOCES to create specialized academy
By: Joshua Gregory The $2.8 million Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) grant was awarded to the consortium of Dunkirk City School District, Erie 2-Chautauqua- The effort links education to regional economic development by offering students an opportunity to earn a New York State Regents Diploma, and an associate degree at no cost to their families. They will be first in line for employment opportunities with participating companies upon completion of the six-year program. The funding will establish the Western New York P-TECH STEM College and Career Academy in the region. Starting with its first class of freshman in the fall of 2015, the Academy will prepare students for high-wage, high-tech, and high-demand jobs in Western New York. The academic and experiential learning program design specifically serves at-risk students by delivering an innovative, technology-infused, dual credit, career and technical educational program. This program will offer a place-based, differentiated learning culture with specialized educators working in tandem with higher education, business partners and component school districts. All partners will support students as they obtain a Regents Diploma and AAS in Mechanical Technology or Welding. In addition, specializations will be available in pre-engineering design or precision machining as well as several certifications through E2CCB Career and Technical Education Programs. “This is a tremendous opportunity for our students and our region,” said Gary Cerne, Superintendent of the Dunkirk Public Schools. “It changes the scope of education for students who are not traditionally college bound. While Dunkirk CSD was the lead applicant for the grant, E2CCB will serve as the implementation agency for the grant and will house the program at the LoGuidice Educational Center in Fredonia, NY. “I am incredibly proud of the collaboration that made this application successful in our region. Partners came to the table committed to this educational model and pledged their resources and support to make the Western New York P-TECH STEM College and Career Academy a reality for students from component school districts in three counties,” said Dr. David O’Rouke, District Superintendent for Erie 2-Chautauqua- Throughout the course of this program, instructional time will introduce students to industries in the region, project-based learning, career exploration and industry terminology, standards and employment soft skills. High-rigor STEM curriculum will be taught in a connected, collaborative environment, integrated with hands-on learning using state-of-the- Over the course of seven years, the WNY PTECH Academy will prepare 180 students for high-wage, high-tech, and high-demand jobs in Western New York. This program concentrates on the advanced manufacturing industries, which have been experiencing consistent growth and expansion in the region. These companies are seeking qualified employees who are fluid in technology, adaptable to change, and able to think on their feet. The program is designed to create "high-tech manufacturing athletes of the future" to help companies continue to grow and innovate. At the same time, it will engage young people at risk in exciting college and career pathways geared toward good careers and futures within our region and the global economy. New York State’s P-TECH partnership initiative was announced as part of the Governor’s 2013-2014 Executive Budget and receives additional funding and support through the State Education Department. The public-private initiative was launched in partnership with IBM, which helped create the P-TECH program and will provide tools, training and support to each participating school. Following New York’s lead, Connecticut, in partnership with IBM, opened a P-TECH school this fall. Australia also recently announced plans to pilot a school modeled on P-TECH. Winning partnerships were selected through a highly competitive process and represent leading industries from across New York State. The application for the Western New York P-TECH STEM College and Career Academy was developed by a leadership team from the collaborative. The grant was written by the E2CCB Grant Procurement Service that has secured more than $11 million dollars for local, regional and state educational initiatives since its inception in 2010. About Erie 2-Chautauqua- The Erie 2-Chautauqua- End
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