What Is Tech Prep?
Tech Prep is a program of study which begins in high school, continues at a postsecondary institution and culminates in an associate degree, two-year certificate, apprenticeship, or further postsecondary study in a career and technical field. Tech Prep in Massachusetts is delivered through a state wide network of consortia, each comprised of secondary schools, postsecondary institutions, employment and training providers, and business and industry. Collaboratively, consortium members develop and implement an integrated curriculum in applied academics, occupational education and workplace experiences.
Tech Prep is a federally funded initiative under the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Act of 1990. Under this act, grants have been made to consortia of postsecondary institutions for the development and operation of four-year programs leading to a two-year associate’s degree, a two-year certificate or further postsecondary education.
The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) instituted significant changes to Tech Prep, effective September 1, 2008. The program has been renamed the Secondary Postsecondary CVTE Linkage Consortium and funded with DESE formula allocation grants to community colleges. Consortia are comprised of community colleges and school districts that have Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. Colleges and school districts were assigned to consortia by the DESE.
The Quinsigamond Consortiumincludes the following five school districts:
- Assabet Valley RVTSD
- Southern Worcester County RVTSD
- Spencer – East Brookfield RSD
- Webster SD
- Worcester SD
Affiliate Schools:
- Auburn
- Millbury
For a complete list of Secondary Postsecondary CVTE linkage Consortium membership, please visit the Massachusetts Department of Education website.