Nationally
The Carl D. Perkins Applied Technology and Vocational Education Act of 1990, commonly known as Perkins II, included Tech Prep within the special projects section (Title IIIE). Federal funds were appropriated for this initiative beginning in July 1991. Since that time, each of the fifty states and the District of Columbia has been involved in Tech Prep education activities.
This initiative is driven by the current shortage of and accelerating need for technically competent employees. Technology not only has drastically changed the processes of production but also raised the skill level required of employees. Special emphasis is being placed on competencies in the areas of mathematics, science and communications. An increasing percentage of jobs require employees who are skilled in problem solving and can adapt quickly to changes. Secondary and post-secondary educational institutions are faced with the challenge of providing educational programs that produce graduates who have these competencies.
Signed into law on October 31, 1998, the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act of 1998 (Perkins III) sets out a new vision of career and technical education for the 21st century. The central goals of this new vision are improving student achievement and preparing students for postsecondary education, further learning, and technical careers.
Perkins III promotes reform, innovation, and continuous improvement in career and technical education to ensure that students acquire the skills and knowledge they need to meet challenging State academic standards and industry-recognized skill standards, and to prepare for postsecondary education, further learning, and a wide range of opportunities in high-skill, high-wage careers.
In Philadelphia
Since May, 1992 Community College of Philadelphia has been participating in Tech Prep through contracting with the Pennsylvania Department of Education. During the contract year July 1, 2006, through June 30, 2007, Community College of Philadelphia and the School District of Philadelphia will continue Tech Prep program implementation and development at eleven high schools.
The Philadelphia Tech Prep Consortium works together with other institutions of higher education, area businesses and industries, Team Pennsylvania Southeast Region and in particular the Philadelphia County Local Workforce Investment Board to ensure career success of future employees in an advanced technical/technological marketplace. Viable and productive Tech Prep programs are developed in conjunction with the local Workforce Investments Board’s regional economic needs, including labor shortages and skill gaps.
Community College of Philadelphia’s technical associate degree program faculty works closely with their industry advisory boards to address Philadelphia work force needs through curriculum development and revision. During the 2005-2006 contract year over 322 students were serviced through the Tech Prep program. Also, Community College of Philadelphia provides a strong affiliation through numerous articulation and dual admission agreements with regional postsecondary institutions that offer baccalaureate degrees.
