Tech Prep FAQs
What is Tech Prep?
- A federally funded program within the Carl D. Perkins Act.
- A Technical Preparation (Tech Prep) program that is administered by the state.
- A program that is intended to provide entry level career and technical courses to high school
students in order to create a bridge between secondary (high school), post secondary (college) and
professional careeer opportunities.
- A formalized agreement between local school divisions and the community college, i.e. dual enrollment.
- A course(s) specified as a Career Pathway (see Tech Prep list of Career Pathways)
What is a Tech Prep Career Pathway consortium?
An organized group of high schools and community college(s) working together in a partnership to connect
high school students to college.
Which colleges and high schools make up the Virginia Western Tech Prep Career Pathways Consortium?
College(s):
- Virginia Western Community College
High Schools:
- Botetourt Technical Education Center (BTEC)
- Lord Botetourt
- Craig County
- Franklin County
- The Gereau Center for Applied Technology & Career Exploration
- Patrick Henry (RTEC)
- William Fleming (RTEC)
- Burton Center for Arts and Technology (BCAT)
- Cave Spring
- Glenvar
- Hidden Valley
- Northside
- William Byrd
- Salem
Who is eligible to take these courses?
High school students in grades 9-12.
How do Tech Prep Career Pathways help make successful students?
- Provides a path to college.
- Offers protection against careers that become obsolete.
- Provides a solid academic foundation.
- Provides students opportunity to acquire valuable, sophisticated technical skills.
- Launch students toward high tech, high demand, and high wage careers.
- Gives students a career focus for their education.
Who teaches the courses and where are they taught?
- Courses are taught at the high school.
- Courses are taught by high school instructors.
What are the admission requirements?
- No admission requirements.
- The high school instructor makes the option available to students.
What is the financial obligation of the student?
- The high school student pays no tuition.
- Students and/or parents are responsible for paying a percentage of dual enrollment
total cost to the local school system.
What is the high school financial obligation?
There is no financial obligation for high schools that are part of a consortium.
