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This program provides assistance to states to award grants to consortia of LEAs and postsecondary education institutions for the development and operation of programs consisting of the last two years of secondary education and at least two years of postsecondary education, designed to provide Tech-Prep education to the student leading to an associate degree or a two-year certificate. The program also is designed to strengthen links between secondary and postsecondary schools
The Perkins Act requires that Tech-Prep programs have seven elements:
- an articulation agreement between secondary and postsecondary consortium participants
- a two-plus-two or a four-plus-two (only four- or six-year programs are authorized) design with a common core of proficiency in math, science, communication, and technology
- a specifically developed Tech-Prep curriculum
- joint in-service training of secondary and postsecondary teachers to implement the Tech-Prep curriculum effectively
- training of counselors to recruit students and to ensure program completion and appropriate employment
- equal access for special populations to the full range of Tech-Prep programs
- preparatory services.
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States are required to give priority consideration to Tech Prep programs that do the following:
- Offer effective employment placement.
- Transfer to 4-year baccalaureate programs.
- Are developed in consultation with business, industry, labor unions, and institutions of higher education that award baccalaureate degrees.
- Address dropout prevention and re-entry and the needs of special populations.
- An associate degree or a 2-year certificate.
- Technical preparation in at least one field of engineering technology, applied science, mechanical, industrial, or practical art or trade, or agriculture, health, or business.
- Competence in math, science, and communication.
Tech Prep education is a significant innovation in the education reform movement in the United States.
Tech Prep was given major emphasis in the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act of 1990 and was amended in the School to Work Opportunities Act of 1994.Tech Prep education is a 4+2 , 3+2 or a 2+2 planned sequence of study in a technical field beginning as early as the ninth year of school. The sequence extends through two years of postsecondary occupational education or an apprenticeship program of at least two years following secondary instruction, and culminates in an associate degree or certificate.