PTech High Schools

The 12 NYC P-TECH (Pathways in Technology Early College High Schools) schools are innovative, six-year public high schools that provide a seamless pathway for students to simultaneously earn a high school diploma, a cost-free college Associate degree in a STEM field, and essential career experience in high-demand fields.

Three Credentials in Six Years

NYC P-TECH schools empower students by rigorously integrating high school academics, college coursework, and career-based learning. Upon graduation (in six years or less), students achieve three critical credentials at no cost:

1. A High School Diploma
2. An Associate Degree (AA, AS, or AAS) from CUNY or SUNY
3. Workplace Qualifications gained through meaningful, work-based learning experiences with industry partners

The program begins with career exploration in 9th grade, and students start taking college courses as early as 10th grade.

Career Readiness

The P-TECH model was created to directly address the "skills gap" by training New York City youth with the technical, professional, and interpersonal skills highly valued by modern employers in STEM industries.

Every P-TECH school is also a Career and Technical Education (CTE) school and blends classroom learning with real-world skills training. Graduates of the P-TECH model are often considered "first-in-line" for jobs with their industry partners, providing a significant advantage in the job market.

Core Elements of Every P-TECH School

While each P-TECH school has a unique focus (e.g., healthcare, energy, engineering) and specific partners, all share these core elements:

• Integrated Academics: Carefully sequenced high school and college courses ensure a smooth transition and build foundational skills for relevant Associate Degree(s). All courses, materials, and college textbooks are provided free of charge.
• College Exposure and Support: Students are considered college students upon entry into high school. They take classes on college campuses and have access to college resources, including libraries, tutoring, and academic advisors.
• Career Readiness: Students engage directly with industry leaders through:
  • Job shadowing and mentorship
  • Site visits to company offices
  • Career panels and design challenges
  • Student internships

Collective Partnership

The strength of the NYC P-TECH model lies in the powerful collaboration among the public and private sectors:

1. Industry Partners

Industry partners are essential, providing real-world insight that shapes the curriculum and credentials planning.

• Curriculum and Credentials Advisory Role: Industry partners work to ensure that degree pathway(s) align with current industry skills and HR needs of the company and the industry at large. 
• Work-Based Learning: provide an array of opportunities for students to have a range of experiences from mentoring and job shadowing, to resume reviews, career panels, and internships.

2. College Partners (CUNY and SUNY)

Provide postsecondary expertise and ensure a strong college-going culture.

• Degree Pathways: College faculty work with high school and industry partners to ensure that students are learning content required for students to have the content knowledge and professional skills to be first in line for middle-income jobs with industry partners and peer companies in the ecosystem. 
• Support and Resources: College administrators ensure that students have access to campus facilities and student support centers.

3. NYC Public Schools 

NYC P-TECH schools work together with their industry partners, their college partners, and the Office of Student Pathways as well as with CUNY K16 Office to coordinate the development and operation of their P-TECH programs to, ensure the opportunity is sustained and is available for all students who wish to participate.

Find a NYC P-TECH School

Presently, there are nine Grades 9–14 schools located across all five boroughs.

• Academy for Careers in Television and Film (TvF)
• Business Technology Early College High School (BTECH)
• City Polytechnic High School of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology (City Poly)
• Energy Tech High School
• Health, Education and Research Occupations High School (H.E.R.O. High)
• High School for Innovation in Advertising and Media (HSIAM)
• Inwood Early College for Health and Information Technologies
• Manhattan Early College School for Advertising (MECA)
• Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH)
• Port Richmond High School
• Urban Assembly Early College High School of Emergency Medicine (EChem)
• Urban Assembly New York Harbor School

How to Apply

NYC P-TECH schools are unscreened and open to all New York City students, especially those historically underrepresented in higher education and STEM fields. Students do not need to meet any academic criteria or submit to a special screening process.

Admissions Method: Schools use the Educational Option (Ed. Opt.) admissions method, which serves students at a range of academic levels.

Steps to Apply:

1. Attend an Information Session, Open House, or High School Fair
2. Rank your preferred NYC P-TECH School selection as a top choice on your high school application
3. Learn more about each school's specific admissions process on their website or through MySchools.nyc

Collaborate With Us

If your organization is interested in becoming an Industry or College Partner with NYC P-TECH schools, we encourage you to contact us directly.

Email: Raisa Schwanbeck, rschwanbeck@schools.nyc.gov