PA's first technical college high school to open Sept. 2 in Jennersville

High School students can be dually enrolled in college courses while attending high school. This dual enrollment model can be used for general education and technical education courses and programs.

“At this point, we’re really just finishing up certain items. So far the projects have been really successful and we are scheduled to open and receive students on September 2,” said Schram.
Construction on the building is continuous, and while there may still be sawdust on the floors, Schram is looking past the school’s minor aesthetic imperfections, to the big picture. “What’s so amazing to think of is that this school is the first of its kind in the state, and what I know of, in the country,” said Schram. “The main difference between our school and other career and technical schools is the hybrid concept we have developed with Delaware County Community College. We’re sharing materials and space, and coexisting and commingling based on the way the technology and space is situated.”

Many of the programs offered at the school will be considered dual enrollment, where the instructor will be community college qualified, and will teach college-level courses to high school students.
Technical education is important for access to today’s high growth job opportunities. Instead of preparing students for work immediately after high school, 21st century career and technical programs will need to provide strong academic content plus courses leading to industry-recognized credentials or certificates. Students can aspire to associate degrees or bachelor’s degrees in career and technical areas of study.

"We also have 'articulation agreements' with other colleges and technical schools that award students credit after they have demonstrated college competencies," said Schram. "The Department of Education recognizes that a high school technical program is advanced when these agreements are in place."

The school will also offer more 21st century focused career programs such as the Finance Academy, which is being funded in part by a donation from National Penn Bank.
With its combination of for-credit college courses and traditional career and technical programs, as well as its groundbreaking new classes such as the Finance Academy, the new Technical College High School truly is a one-of-a-kind achievement in the state of Pennsylvania.

Registration for the 2008-09 school year officially ended in June; however, applications are still being accepted and there is still time to enroll for this school year. High school students residing in the Oxford, Octorara, Avon Grove, Kennett, and Unionville-Chadds Ford school districts are eligible to enroll. The Technical College High School is a free, public high school specializing in career and technical training and partnering with Delaware County Community College.

For more information, please contact Kevin Ballisty at 484-237-5325. For more information about classes for Delaware County Community College, please call 610-869-3305.

For college students pursuing technical education, associate in applied science degrees and certificate programs are offered in six disciplines: automotive technology and safety inspection, carpentry and residential construction, emergency medical technology and paramedic ALS; heating, ventilation and air conditioning and refrigeration; and technical studies.

Professional development programs include SAT prep, childcare provider workshops, event planning, and courses for small business owners and more.

College students pursuing bachelor’s degrees can complete six college transferable Associate in Arts or Associate in Science degrees at the site, including: behavioral science, business administration, communication arts, education, liberal arts and science for health professionals.

Posted September 2008