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Juniors & Seniors

You may have already earned college credit for courses taken in high school!

How?

Tech Prep courses taken in high school may qualify for college credit.

What’s Tech Prep?

Tech Prep is technical preparation at the secondary level for students who are interested in pursuing technical degree programs in college. Tech Prep programs provide high school students with the opportunity to earn college credit in career-oriented areas while still in high school. There is a six-year curriculum alignment that can begin as early as ninth grade and includes both technical and academic courses. Students may earn up to 15 hours of college credit toward a certificate or Associate of Applied Science degree. Students must earn a B or better in these courses for articulation to the college level. Finally, students have up to 15 months after graduation from high school to receive approved Tech Prep credits.

How do I find out if I qualify for Tech Prep credit?

Contact your high school counselor about courses offered at your high school and earn a “B” or better in all Tech Prep courses.

What’s next?

• Complete an application with DCCCD.
• Provide a copy of an “official” high school transcript.
• Provide a copy of the Transfer of Tech Prep College Credit form.
• Enroll in an associate degree or certificate program with the Tech Prep Coordinator at Eastfield College or any DCCCD college.

What programs are available at Eastfield College to continue my Tech Prep studies?

• Air Conditioning & Refrigeration
• Autobody Technology
• Child Development
• Computer-Aided Design & Drafting (CADD)
• Electronic Commerce I & II
• Electronics/Computer Technology I & II
• Office Technology

How is Tech Prep credit articulated?

To claim the Tech Prep credit, students should complete a Transfer of Tech Prep College Credit form in high school and take all appropriate courses for that particular program. Upon graduation, students must self-identify as a Tech Prep student to receive the credit. The four basic steps for articulating credit include:

1. Complete an application at any DCCCD campus or on-line
2. Provide an official high school transcript for evaluation
3. Provide a copy of the Transfer of Tech Prep College Credit form
4. Enroll in an associate degree or certificate program

What are the advantages for students who enroll in Tech Prep related programs?

• An early start to an Associate’s degree, certificate, or even a Bachelor’s degree
• Through Tech Prep and Texas Two-Step, universities such as UTA are developing seamless transitions from high school to community college to the university
• By allowing students to transfer up to 24 technical credit hours in areas such as health, business, and information technology, universities are recognizing the value of technical courses
• Students may explore technical areas of interest while still in high school
• Tuition waived for articulated courses
• Many newly created jobs tend to be dominated by technical fields

Interested?

Contact Pam McNulty at (972) 860-8388 or pmcnulty@dcccd.edu for more information.