Teacher/Counselor Guide

Why Tech Prep? Even in Seminole County, with the highest rate of college entry in Florida, nearly 40% of high-school graduates do not enroll in colleges, universities or technical centers. Nationally, only 25% will ever actually complete a four-year degree And 15% 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 smoothes the transition between high school and college, allowing completion of course work 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

• Many Tech Prep credits can help students satisfy the requirements for the Florida Gold Seal Scholars Award, which pays up to 75% of college tuition for those who qualify.***

* 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 October to December 1998 findings.

*** Gold Seal Scholarships require a 3.0 GPA and completion of 3 vocational (technical) courses.

Learn more.

• Classroom presentations
• Frequently asked questions
• Available programs
• Current courses
• Available video resources
• Top careers
• Links page
• Career Survey (PDF Format)

Tech Prep test registration files (in Excel format- choose your version)

• Registration file in Excel 97 workbook

Downloads

• Read to Learn

SCC Teacher Tuition Waivers

Teachers that are team teaching such as an Applied Technology Teacher and Academic teacher, or just an Applied Technology teacher may take technology classes at SCC with a fee waiver if approved by the Tech Prep Office. The technology class needs to be something a teacher would take back to students in classroom after learning the topic. Classes must be taken for a grade. Contact the Tech Prep Office if interested in taking a class.

Did you know?

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