APPLICATION INFORMATION / LOCATION & SCHEDULE / HOME DISTRICT CONNECTION / PROGRAM  / PTECH MAIN

Welcome to Dutches BOCES P-TECH (Pathways in Technology) Early College High School - a public-private partnership preparing Dutchess County students for high-skills careers.

Application and general information

Who is eligible to apply?

• Eighth grade students in participating Dutchess County schools may apply - check with your guidance counselor.

• Students who are interested in pursuing a career in Electrical Technology. This field includes automation-security systems, manufacturing, transportation and solar energy. 

How many students will be accepted into the P-TECH program?

Approximately 50 students will be eligible to enter each year starting in 2024-25. Each year, 50 additional students will begin the program in grade 9.  The maximum enrollment for grades 9-12 is 200 students.

What are the application requirements?

Interested eighth grade students should speak with their school counselor to discuss the program and review eligibility criteria. Students then complete a Dutchess BOCES P-Tech application which includes two letters of recommendation.  One recommendation should be from a teacher, counselor or school administrator; and the other from a friend, mentor, employer, etc.  An in-person interview will be scheduled for eligible students.  

What is the application timeline?  

Applications are being accepted now for the 2024-25 school year. The application deadline is May 1, 2024. It is strongly recommended that students, families and/or guardians attend an informational session.  This is a four-year commitment which will provide students with the opportunity to earn an Associate in Applied Science  Degree and their high school diploma at no cost to the student.

What is the cost of the college courses and will students have access to the same services as Dutchess Community College students?

Students can enroll and participate in the program at no cost to families – tuition, fees, books, and instructional materials will be covered. Students will have access to the same support and services available to all DCC students.

Location/Schedule 

Where is the program located?

The program will be housed at Roy C. Ketcham High School in the Wappingers Central School District during freshman and sophomore years. During junior and senior years, students will complete any outstanding high school courses at Roy C. Ketcham High School and Dutchess Community College courses at DCC's Fishkill Center of Excellence for Industry and Innovation.

What outside or support opportunities are available to students as part of the program?

The Dutchess BOCES P-TECH Early College High School combines the best elements of high school, college and work-based learning. Students will participate in a rigorous and relevant education program focused on the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in a 21st Century Career as an Industrial Electrical Technician. Workplace learning at one of our industry partners will include ongoing mentoring by professionals in the chosen career sector, worksite visits, and guest speakers.

 

Home district connection

What type of schedule can students and families expect?

Students in grades 9 and 10 will follow a regular full-day Roy C. Ketcham High School schedule. Students will be transported by their home districts in the morning and at the end of the Dutchess BOCES P-TECH school day. The anticipated school day for freshmen and sophomores will be from 7:31 AM to 2:18 PM. During the junior and senior years, students will attend both Roy C. Ketcham and Dutchess Community College campuses. Home districts will provide transportation to and from Roy C. Ketcham High School.

Will students have opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities in their home school district?

It is our hope that students will be able to participate in extracurricular activities in their home school district if they choose to. This is contingent on the availability of transportation and extracurricular activity schedules.

The program

What is the area of study/training?  

Students enrolled in the Dutchess BOCES P-TECH program will have the opportunity to earn an Applied Associate Degree in Electrical Technology (ELT).  Electrical technicians perform hands-on work with complicated and expensive equipment. There are five types of companies that hire technicians in the Hudson Valley:

Utilities: Central Hudson, Con Edison, NYSEG

Manufacturing: OnSemi, Solid State Cooling Systems, James L. Taylor Manufacturing, Metal Container Corp.

Distribution: The Gap Distribution Center

Transportation: Metro-North, Long Island Railroad

Security Systems: Doyle Security

As an example, OnSemi makes microchips for many automated systems, such as automotive processors. Complex and expensive machines make microchips, and maintenance technicians make sure these machines continue running smoothly. The work of a technician there can be installing new semiconductor manufacturing equipment, maintaining equipment, troubleshooting problems, or working on support systems such as chemical delivery and air handling systems.

Do students take Regents exams?

Yes, all students are required to complete New York State course and Regents requirements. One of the goals of our programs is to make sure we are affording students the opportunity to pursue an advanced Regents diploma while earning a college degree.

Can students with IEP’s and 504 accommodations apply?

Yes, students with an IEP or 504 Plan are eligible to apply.  We would work with each student and their families to make sure that we could meet all the requirements of their IEP or 504 plans.

Can my child continue on to earn a four-year bachelor’s degree?

Yes, the Electrical Technology pathway is an opportunity to earn an Associate Degree in Applied Science and move forward to employment and/or into a bachelor’s program.

Are students able to take classes over the summer or in the spring?

During the summer before freshman year, students will be required to attend a preparatory session that will serve as a bridge to the new program.

Will students follow the college schedule for breaks?

For courses taught by high school faculty, class schedules will follow the Wappingers Central School District calendar.  Junior and senior years will follow the Dutchess Community College calendar, including breaks and holidays.