Tech Prep

Tech Prep is a way to start a college technical major while still in high school. In a Tech Prep program, you begin your course of study in high school and continue in a community or technical college.

A Tech Prep six year plan is based on the Recommended High School Graduation Plan. This prepares students to continue in a college program that leads to a minimum of a two-year AAS college degree. Some technical courses may also apply toward a four-year degree. Tech Prep articulated courses may be counted as advanced measures on the Distinguished Achievement Program (DAP) as well.

Tech Prep Students…

• Follow an approved Tech Prep Six-Year Plan that articulates (agrees with) an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) college degree and take classes within a specific pathway.

• Realize that each Six-Year Plan includes a sequence of career and technology courses for three (3) or more credits.

• Understand that at least one of these courses is eligible for college credit, either through local or Advanced Technical Credit (statewide articulation). Early College Admission courses are often part of this plan.

Benefits of Tech Prep

• Combines academic courses needed for success in college with technical courses that begin to prepare you for a career.

• Articulated courses are free. Advanced placement through articulation also saves time - an average of nine college hours.

• High school is more interesting because students can relate school to a future career.

• College is more interesting because students can take more advanced-level courses.

• Students can graduate from college AAS degree programs ahead of schedule.

• Students have a marketable skill when they graduate from high school that they can use while they complete an associate and/or baccalaureate degree.

• Many technical careers offer high-paying, introductory-level employment opportunities.

How to Receive College Credit

1. Ask your high school career technology teacher or counselor for a “petition for credit” form.
2. Bring this form and a copy of your high school transcript to Alvin Community College when you are ready to enroll.
3. Meet with a college academic advisor or department chair to identify which high school courses qualify for Tech Prep college credit.
4. College staff will help you identify the college courses that are equivalent to the articulated courses that you took in high school.
5. Declare a college technical major – Associate in Applied Science (AAS) Degree Plan – that includes one or more of these courses.
6. Make sure you receive notification of credit award at the end of the first term of enrollment.

Tech Prep Majors Available at Alvin Community College

Associate Degree Nursing
Childcare and Development
Communications - Radio Broadcasting
Communications - Television Broadcasting
Criminal Justice - Correctional Science
Diagnostic Cardiovascular Sonography
Drafting Technology
Emergency Medical Technology
Legal Assistant
Management Development
Marine Robotic
Nursing Transition (LVN to RN)
Office Administration – Office Professional

Contact Information

Dean of Technical Programs – John Bethscheider
Building C, Room 100
Phone: 281.756.3619
Email: jbethscheider@alvincollege.edu
Website: www.TechPrepTexas.org