A Global Network
P-TECH (or Pathways in Technology Early College High
School) is a global education model that offers students
all over the world the opportunity to develop skills and
competencies that will translate directly to competitive
careers. The P-TECH network includes over 150,000
students, teachers, parents, mentors, and advocates in
twenty-three countries across the globe.
A State Initiative
In Maryland, P-TECH schools* are innovative grade 9 to
14 public schools that create clear pathways from high
school to college and career for young people from all
academic backgrounds. In six years or less, students
graduate with a high school diploma and a no-cost, twoyear
associate degree. Each P-TECH school or program
works with industry partners and a local community
college to ensure an up-to-date curriculum that’s
academically rigorous and economically relevant.
*Allegany County’s P-TECH program is housed within
the Center for Career and Technical Education.
Spring 2021 \ ACCESS ACM 6
What is
P-TECH?
ACM recently debuted a P-TECH
Pennsylvania initiative for rising
area high school juniors and seniors
interested in computers and technology.
Beginning in the 2021-2022 academic
year, qualified eleventh and twelfth
graders will have the opportunity to take
computer technology courses online at
their own pace, or enroll in a two-year,
31-credit certificate in cybersecurity
through the ACM Bedford County
Campus or Somerset Education Site.
All classes, including video conferences
and labs, are offered online.
Additional information on the P-TECH
Pennsylvania program is available at
allegany.edu/ptechpa.
How It Works
Since 2017, Allegany County’s P-TECH program
has provided students with a free education that
begins in grade nine, continues through high school
completion with a high school diploma, and culminates
in the attainment of an Associate of Applied Science
degree in Computer Technology - Cybersecurity
Area of Concentration. Students who accelerate
through the program can potentially earn a second
Associate of Applied Science degree in another area
of concentration within ACM’s Computer Technology
program within six years. Upon program completion,
students may choose to transfer their ACM credits to
Frostburg State University to earn a four-year degree in
Computer Science or a related IT degree.
“This time around
I joined the Pathways
for Success/TRiO
program and now
I get help instead
of feeling lost.”
Sharia Hernandez,
Cybersecurity major
Having earned two Allied Health certificates from ACM, Sharia Hernandez
is no stranger to the Cumberland campus. Motivated by caring for her
young son and looking for a different opportunity, she reenrolled at ACM
as a Cybersecurity major with a heightened focus on her studies. Excited
to enter a growing field for females, she’ll graduate in May. Her advice for
other nontraditional students? “Focus on school and don’t cut corners.”
/ptechpa
