New York is investing another $3 million to open seven more high schools that focus on training at-risk students for highly-skilled jobs.
The new Pathways in Technology Early College High Schools, announced by Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) June 3, will bring the total number in the state to 33.
This round of P-TECH schools is supported through the 2015-16 state budget and money will be disbursed through a competitive grant process that closes on July 15. New York will award a total $21 million over seven-years to expand the blended education model, according to state officials.
On Tuesday, the first six students graduated from Brooklyn P-TECH, which opened in 2011 as a public-private collaboration among IBM, the New York City Department of Education, and the City University of New York. The students completed their high school diplomas, as well as associate’s degrees in computer systems technology, two years ahead of schedule, from P-TECH, which is designed as a school for grades 9-14. The graduates have been offered jobs at IBM. Three students plan to start their tech careers now and three have decided to pursue their bachelor’s degrees
More than half of fourth-year students at P-TECH Brooklyn are on track to complete their college degrees either early or on time. Many who attend the school are students of color, from low-income backgrounds, and are on the path to be the first in their families to go to college.
There are 27 P-TECH schools today in three states (New York, Illinois, and Connecticut). Another 40 are expected by this fall.
Earlier this year, IBM and CUNY released a digital playbook for others interested in replicating the P-TECH model.
A ceremony in New York City on June 2 recognized six Brooklyn, N.Y., teens who are graduating from the nation’s first IBM-affiliated P-TECH (Pathways in Technology Early College High School). Clockwise from far right: IBM Manager Will Ehrenfeld; and P-TECH students Cletus Andoh; Gabriel Rosa; Radcliffe Saddler; Rahat Mahmud; Michelle Nguyen; Kiambu Gall. (Photo: Augusto F. Menezes / Feature Photo Service for IBM)