PTECH
The Wayne-Finger Lakes Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) Pathways Technology Early College High School (PTECH) is a specialized educational program designed to prepare high school students for careers in technology-related fields. PTECH operates through strong partnerships between Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES, Finger Lakes Community College, 25 local school districts, and industry leaders. Industry partnerships include BOCES, Finger Lakes Advanced Manufacturer’s Enterprise, GW Lisk, Creation Technologies, ITT, and Optimax to name a few.
In addition to these partnerships, PTECH offers a rigorous curriculum, workplace readiness, an extended timeframe, and all at no cost to students. Associations with industry partners provide students with real-world exposure and mentorship, enhancing their educational experience beyond traditional classroom learning. PTECH integrates high school education with college-level coursework, enabling students to earn both their high school diploma and an associate degree in a technology-related field. This dual credentialing prepares graduates for immediate entry into the workforce or continued education. At PTECH, students are immersed in project-based and collaborative learning, fostering creativity and innovation. Emphasis is placed on developing real-world workplace skills through their coursework and hands-on projects. Through industry partnership, students have opportunities to participate in internships, job shadowing, and mentoring.
The program includes four years of high school and students also have the flexibility to earn their associates degree at the same time or up to two additional years. Upon conclusion of the program, students are prepared for the transition to higher education or the workforce. Overall, Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES Pathways Technology Early College High School offers a structured pathway for motivated students interested in technology careers. Students gain the knowledge and skills to excel in technology fields, combining academic excellence with practical workplace experiences to better prepare them for success in the 21st-century workforce. The PTECH program allows for the removal of financial barriers to a student and their family in their pursuit of an associate’s degree in a technology field.
PTECH students are provided an advanced education over a multi-year pathway of study leading to an Associate’s degree and an exciting and rewarding career. Beginning in 9th grade, faculty focus on providing students with personalized and project-based learning plus professional skill development leading to success in each course. As the years progress in grades 10 to 12, students continue to achieve the required courses and credits towards their high school diploma, and enroll in and complete courses in their college pathway. By year 4, students have met the academic requirements for a high school diploma and begin to review which courses they will need to complete at FLCC in years 5 and 6. While at both the PTECH school and FLCC students also prepare for their career by: engaging in industry visits and challenges, career exploration, work-based learning, creating and refining their cover letter and resume plus refining interview skills.
W-FL PTECH has built a comprehensive six-year integrated scope & sequence that includes students participating in local, Regents and college courses simultaneously. Depending on the Pathway chosen, students will sometimes be with their entire cohort in classes and sometimes with cohort students who have chosen the same pathway.
Making Success Possible
