Tech Prep is a program of study which begins in high school, continues at a postsecondary institution, and culminates in an associate of applied science degree, two-year certificate, or two-year apprenticeship in one of the Career Interest Areas:  Agriculture and Natural Resources, Arts and Communications, Business and Administrative Services, Health Care, Human and Family Services, and Industrial and Engineering Technology.  A Tech Prep program leads to related meaningful employment and is developed by all partners (secondary, postsecondary and private sector).  It may also articulate from a community college to a four-year college/university, or four-year apprenticeship.

A Tech Prep sequence of courses consists of a program-specific core of academic and technical courses taught during the two years of secondary school preceding graduation at a minimum, and at least:

·         two years of postsecondary education in a non-duplicative course of study leading to an associate of applied science degree or two-year certificate in a specific career field, or

·         two years of an apprenticeship following high school.

The sequence must include integrated academic and technical content, workplace skills, and instruction delivered both at the worksite and in the school/college setting.  Programs may begin as early as the 9^th grade and may also articulate from a community college to a four-year college/university, or four-year apprenticeship.

A Tech Prep student is one who is seeking further education after high school and has a written career plan that identifies a sequence of courses that leads to a Tech Prep occupation as a career goal.  Students may begin as early as the 9^th grade and no later than the 11^th grade to select a Tech Prep sequence of courses.  Students may revise their program of study as they move toward their career goal.

 A Tech Prep Occupation meets all the following criteria:

·         an associate of applied science degree, two-year certificate or a two-year apprenticeship (following high school completion) is the predominant method of entering the occupation,

·         the occupation has opportunities for above-average entry wages and career advancement,

·         the occupation requires advanced technical skills, and

·         the occupation requires multifaceted problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

 A Tech Prep Completer must have:

·         followed a written career plan indicating a Tech Prep occupation as a career goal;

·         taken a sequence of program-specific core academic and technical courses to prepare for a Tech Prep occupation during the two years of secondary school preceding graduation;

·         articulated to a non-duplicative academic and technical course of study for a Tech Prep occupation leading to an associate of applied science degree, two-year certificate, or two-year apprenticeship following high school; and

·         completed two years of postsecondary education which led to an associate of applied science degree, two-year certificate, two years of an apprenticeship, or articulated from a community college to a four-year college/university in a Tech Prep occupation.