Business Partner Guide

Why Tech Prep? Even in Seminole County, with the highest rate of college entry in Florida, nearly 40 percent of high school graduates do not enroll in colleges, universities, or technical centers. Nationally, only 25 percent will ever actually complete a four-year degree And 15 percent of those who do will take at least six years to earn their diplomas.

Meanwhile - thanks to Central Florida's burgeoning high-tech industry and an ever-increasing reliance on technology in the workplace - the demand for technologically skilled workers continues to grow.

Many students would be better served by a program that educates them for higher-paying jobs in two years or less - while preparing them to move on to a four-year institution later, if they choose to do so.

How it works

Tech Prep students start by taking designated technical courses at their own high schools. When they finish a course, they take a test administered by Seminole Community College. Those who pass receive college credit they can apply toward an Associate in Science (A.S.) degree or vocational certificate from SCC.*

The results

• Tech Prep smooths the transition between high school and college, allowing completion of coursework without duplication.
• Tech Prep students enter SCC further ahead than their classmates, and often graduate with their associate degrees sooner.
• Tech Prep helps students understand the "why" (the application of their learning) as well as the "what" (the knowledge itself).
• Tech Prep students tend to have higher retention and graduation rates, less remediation and greater motivation and morale than their peers.
• By expanding the local pool of skilled, knowledgeable workers, Tech Prep is helping to attract, retain and support the kinds of businesses that spur growth and foster a healthy local economy.
  

According to the Florida Department of Education, economic prospects for those with A.S. degrees and vocational college credit look exceptionally bright:

Available Scholarships

• Fourteen $250 Tech Prep Scholarships, two for each Seminole County high school will be available.
• Many Tech Prep credits can help students satisfy the requirements for the Florida Gold Seal Scholars Award, which pays up to 75 percent of college tuition for those who qualify.***

Contact the Tech Prep Office at 407.708.2427 or hunterc@scc-fl.edu if your business is interested in hosting a tour. The Tech Prep Office limits the number of individuals to no larger than groups of 15. The Tech Prep Office also presents at local business clubs, such as the Rotary Club. Call to set up a presentation.

* To receive college credit, the student must enroll in at least one course at SCC within two years of graduation from high school.

** According to Florida Department of Education FETPIP 2003-2004 findings.

*** Gold Seal Scholarships require a 3.0 GPA and completion of three vocational (technical) courses.

Did you know?

SCC offers Tech Prep programs in automotive, business, construction design, education, engineering and healthcare.