P-TECH 9-14 School Model is a pioneering education reform initiative created by IBM, to prepare young people with the academic, technical and professional skills required for 21st Century Jobs and ongoing education. P-TECH represents the best of what public-private partnerships can look like, with students taking high school and college coursework simultaneously and engaging in industry-guided workforce development.
P-TECH is a partnership among K-12, community college and industry, each making long-term commitments and contributing their best expertise to provide students with rigorous and hands-on academic, technical and workplace experiences.
The unique culture of a P-TECH school is built upon high expectations for students and a belief that all students can earn their college degree. Students see themselves as “college students” and “on a career pathway” from the moment they begin 9th grade. The model integrates high school and college coursework, enabling students to begin college courses as soon as they are ready. Students also participate in a range of workplace opportunities that include mentoring, site visits and paid internships — all designed to support students’ academic and professional growth.
P-TECH includes urban, rural and suburban schools and encompasses a range of STEM fields, including IT, advanced manufacturing, healthcare and finance.