Advanced Tech at College

Advanced Tech at College is a dual-enrollment program in which 11^th and 12^th grade students who are interested in careers in Information Technology (IT) complete their last two years of high school on the Community College of Philadelphia campus. While completing their high school diplomas, students have the opportunity to earn up to 30 college credits. Following their senior year, students enter Community College of Philadelphia's Associate Degree program in Computer Information Technology.

Students benefit from an integrated curriculum of enhanced academic and technical studies, as well as access to college resources such as computer labs equipped with advanced technology, IT internships, counseling, tutoring and peer support. Through earning dual enrollment credits, the program enables students to get an advanced start on college and career. Advanced Tech at College is a U.S. Department of Education funded project, and is a partnership between the School District of Philadelphia, Community College of Philadelphia, and SEPTA.

A cohort of 30 incoming 11th graders will be admitted to the TPDP each year of the grant. Students will be selected from target Philadelphia public schools that have not met Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) for two or more years. The target schools possess: 1) high dropout rates; 2) below average student attendance rates; 3) low graduation rates; 4) low numbers of students taking the SAT; 5) low SAT scores; and 6) high student-to-counselor ratios. The majority of students (71%) enrolled in the target schools can be classified as a member of a low-income family. Students are currently participating from the following high schools: Bartram, Benjamin Franklin, Bok, Dobbins, Edison, Furness, Germantown, Gratz, Kensington, and Strawberry Mansion, and West Philadelphia.

The goal of Advanced Tech at College is to improve student retention and persistence and ultimately increase college graduation rates and job preparedness based on the provision of the following: 1) enhanced academic and technical integrated curriculum, resulting in students seamlessly entering college academically prepared and not in need of remedial courses; 2) increased access and exposure to advanced technology both in the classroom and through work-based learning opportunities; 3) monitoring/early intervention strategies; and 4) exposure to college life (and expanded support services) while still in high school.

To be considered for participation, students must:

• Have a minimum 2.5 GPA
• Demonstrate academic ability and motivation
• Have maintained an attendance record of 90% or better in 9^th and 10^th grades
• Have no record of serious disciplinary infractions
• Demonstrate interest in pursuing a career in the technology field
• Test at the English 098 course level or above on the Community College of Philadelphia college placement test
• " Successfully complete and submit all required application materials by the stated deadlines. These include: application form, essays, transcripts, and 3 letters of recommendation.