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Both programs are aimed at exposing students to career pathways and helping them attain college credits while still in high school, said Melissa Tolle, Sinclair’s chief school partnerships officer.
“Our partnerships with area high schools are critical for preparing students for in-demand jobs,” Tolle explained. “For a fraction of the cost and time, students who go through our Tech Prep and College Credit Plus programs can attain college credits, certificates, or an associate’s degree before they graduate from high school.”
She added that it is a dual enrollment program that provide students in grades 7-12 the opportunity to earn college and high school credits at the same time.
“The purpose of this program is to enhance students’ career readiness and postsecondary success, while providing a wide variety of options to college-ready students, at no or limited costs to students and families,” Tolle said.
Zacchaeus Martin is a graduate of the program. He said it helped him save money and put him on track to get an education.
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“I was only 15 years old when I started College Credit Plus while still in high-school,” Martin said. “I was able to take all my CCP credits from Sinclair and transfer that over to Wittenberg University to complete my Bachelor’s degree. I am now pursuing my Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counselling at the University of Dayton. Sinclair put me on track to get as much education in such a short period while saving a lot of money.”
Through the Miami Valley Tech Prep Consortium, Sinclair works with area high schools to offer the Tech Prep program, which allows students to experience a career and a technical field of study at the high school level and simultaneously earn college credits.
Students who elect to participate in Tech Prep are also eligible to receive a $3,000 scholarship.
“Through programs like Tech Prep, we are helping students figure out their career-pathways at an early age and helping employers get the skilled-workers they need to meet in-demand jobs,” Tolle said.
Sinclair offers internship opportunities and specialized career pathways in advanced manufacturing, aviation, automotive technology, cybersecurity and health care – all of which are major economic drivers for Ohio, Tolle said.
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