Area High School Student Get An Advance on College

PHILADELPHIA, PA, OCTOBER 5, 2004 - This fall, 30 local high school students began classes at Community College of Philadelphia as it launched Advanced Tech at College. Unique to the city of Philadelphia, the program is a high school and college preparatory program at Community College of Philadelphia. The curriculum, designed in partnership with the School District of Philadelphia, offers a seamless transition from high school to an associate's degree-granting program. A media conference on Monday, Oct. 18, at 1:00 p.m. will feature Paul Vallas, CEO, School District of Philadelphia and Stephen M. Curtis, President, Community College of Philadelphia to discuss the program.

Philadelphia public high school students spend 11th and 12th grades at the College's main campus taking a combination of high school and college courses taught by both high school and college faculty. Students who complete the program have the option to matriculate into the College's Computer Information Systems curriculum with course options in computer programming, computer science, information technology, LAN administration, PC applications or web design. Two years into the program, students will have earned a high school diploma and 24 college credits.

Students benefit from an accelerated curriculum and challenging courses for students who have demonstrated an interest in pursuing a career in technology. Upon graduation from Community College of Philadelphia, students will be equipped with work-based technology experience, and will be prepared to seek employment or transfer to a four-year college or university.

The program offers an increased exposure to advanced technology both in the classroom and through internships during the student's senior year. Students are also offered educational support through tutoring, counseling and peer study groups. They will remain as a group in their classes and will have use of the College's library.

For the fall 2004 semester, students were chosen from seven area high schools based on their academic ability, motivation, attendance record of 90 percent or better, and a demonstrated interest in pursuing a career in the technology field.

Advanced Tech at College strengthens the existing partnership between the School District of Philadelphia and Community College of Philadelphia. The program is funded by the U.S. Dept. of Education.

Students available for interview:

Earleena Sewell: This southwest Philadelphia resident, 16, attended Bartram High School. Despite her busy work schedule after school every day from 4:00 until 10:00 p.m., she still manages to get her assignments in on time, has a perfect attendance and continues to write poetry in her spare time.

Andrew Robledo: This Kensington resident, 16, and attended Kensington High School. Andrew takes martial arts classes and completed a school project on William Penn's layout of Philadelphia. He has participated in the Gear-Up, another Community College of Philadelphia program for high school students.