Beginning in the 2017-2018 school year, Allegany County Public Schools began to offer incoming ninth grade students the opportunity to participate in an early college program through the Allegany County Pathways in Technology Early College High (P-Tech) Program at essentially no cost. This opportunity is made possible through collaboration between ACPS, Allegany College of Maryland, the Western Maryland Health System, and other businesses and industries in Allegany County.

 

The P-Tech program is a high school and beyond (9-14) model, which combines high school, college and the world of work. The program’s mission is to provide students with a free education that starts in grade nine, continues through high school completion with a high school diploma, and culminates in the attainment of an Associate Degree in Computer Technology.

 

Participating students will gain workplace skills and have access to mentoring and other career experiences through a partnership with WMHS. 

 

The ultimate goal of the P-Tech program of study is for students to earn an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Computer Technology with a Cybersecurity option within two years of graduating from ACPS. Students who move through the coursework at an accelerated pace will have other options available. These students can potentially earn a second Associate of Applied Science Degree in another option within the Computer Technology program within six years or transfer to Frostburg State University to complete a Baccalaureate Degree in a computer science field.

 

P-Tech Program from ACETV ACPS on Vimeo.