TechPrep for High School Students

Cerritos College
Economic Development
Tech Prep Program
for High School Students

Tech Prep is a national educational program intended to fully develop the academic, vocational and technical skills of high school students who elect to enroll in programs focused on vocational and technical education. It provides student with career direction and job skills to enable them to get employment. The curriculum is designed to give the students some experience in different career paths, and show the relevance of these paths in courses the students are studying.

Cerritos College Economic Development (CCED), actively participates in providing all students with program-to-program articulation*, guidance and activities that are directed toward vocational and technical career pathways. CCED partners with high schools, regional occupational program (ROP) and adult schools in creating a bridge to the community college, as well as encouraging further college study beyond their AA degree. CCED provides funds that assist districts in paying for job-shadowing activities ("Ground Hog Day"), career-oriented events (career fairs), leadership conferences ("Adelante Mujer"), and much more.

Creating a Bridge for Future Careers

Tech Prep was designed to provide students with career direction and job skills to enable them to get employment. The curriculum is designed to give the students some experience with different career paths and to show relevance to these paths in the courses they are studying. The Tech Prep program works with high school students in creating a bridge to the community college, as well as, encouraging further college study beyond their AA degree.

How Does Tech Prep Benefit
High School Students?

• High school juniors and seniors may earn college credits while attending high school.
• Students minimize course duplication, saving time and money.
• Juniors and seniors have the opportunity to interact with college faculty and students.
• College classes are free for juniors and seniors.
• Students are able to enroll in weekend classes, summer classes or after-school classes

*What is Articulation?

Articulation is a course-to-course high school, ROP, or adult education agreement that recognizes previous learning. It is a process linking two or more educational systems. For example, a high school and a two year college may have an articulation agreement. An established articulation process facilitates students' transition from the high school level of occupational or academic training to the two-year college level. It allows transition from course to course, program to program, or education level to the next level without students experiencing a delay or duplication of learning.

How Does the Tech Prep Program Work?

• Students can petition Cerritos College Economic Development for transcript credit for articulated classes that they complete at their high school.
• Unit credit are awarded after completing 12 college units with a grace of "C" or better.
• Students will receive unit credit for articulated class, but NOT a letter grade.
• Students must make an appointment with a Cerritos College Counselor for further information.

For more information, contact:
Gilda Gonzalez
Cerritos College Economic Development Tech Prep Program
562-860-2451 ext. 2496 | ggonzalez@cerritos.edu