Second Round of Public-Private Partnership to Prepare Students for High-Skill Jobs Announced: High School Students can Earn College Degrees at No Cost and be First-in-Line for Jobs

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced a new round of funding available to continue the nationally recognized P-TECH model, which prepares students for highly-skilled jobs by bringing together public school districts, major employers, and institutions of higher education. Through partnerships created by this program, high school students study under an industry aligned curriculum, earn an associate degree at no cost to their families, and are first in line for jobs with participating companies upon graduation.

The second round of the NYS Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) program will select winning partnerships through a highly competitive process in regions across the state. It links education to regional economic development needs through industry partners and creates a pipeline to higher education for underrepresented populations through participating colleges and universities. Modeled after the nationally recognized IBM partnership in New York City, they will supply regions with a robust talent pipeline driving local economic development.

State Education Commissioner John King said, “Thanks to the leadership of Governor Cuomo and the Board of Regents the P-Tech engine is powering up the future throughout New York State. In areas ranging from clean technologies to agribusiness, and from information technology to advanced manufacturing, students from across the State will graduate high school ready for success at the next level because of strong partnerships between P-12 school districts, higher education, and business. P-Tech graduates with a high school diploma and Associate’s degree will be first-in-line for the jobs that offer them and New York's economy a place in a vital and enduring future.”

SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher said, “SUNY is proud to partner with Governor Cuomo as well as educators and employers across the state to bring the opportunity of P-TECH to more of today’s youth. New York’s commitment to educating more children and educating them better, from cradle to career, is making a difference not only for students of all ages but for the state’s communities and economy. With the continued expansion of P-TECH throughout New York, more students will be prepared for college, and for the 21st-century challenges that await them in today's competitive job market.”

The first 16 schools funded in the first round of NYS P-TECH awards will open in September, preparing to serve more than 6,000 young adults throughout the state. This second round of NYS P-TECH schools are funded at the amount of $4 million as part of the 2014-15 enacted budget, resulting in a planned $28 million in awards over a 7 year period. Up to 10 awards will be granted across the State with priority towards the goal of at least 2 P-TECH schools in each region. Applications are due by September 12, 2014 and can be found at http://www.highered.nysed.gov/kiap.

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