Tech Prep: College Prep for the 21st Century

Tech Prep is College Prep with an Edge! Tech Prep students follow a rigorous academic course of study integrated with strong technical education and work-based learning in their chosen field of study that will prepare them for the high-tech careers of the 21st Century.

The Berkshire Tech Prep Consortium, based at Berkshire Community College, is a partnership among area colleges and the 11 Berkshire County public high schools. The Consortium Director also collaborates with a variety of educational and industry partners to provide enhanced benefits and services to students, parents and educators.

A Tech Prep course of study, based on a 2 + 2 model, begins in the junior year of high school and continues into community college or other advanced training venue. Many Tech Prep students have the opportunity to earn advanced college credit for some of their high school coursework. Upon completion of an Associate's Degree, Tech Prep students are well prepared to enter the workforce or may chose to continue their education to pursue a baccalaureate degree as outlined in a related 2 + 2 + 2 sequence of study.

Berkshire Tech Prep Consortium program options are based on six career clusters. Each career cluster description provides an overview of possible occupations, personal traits compatible with the respective career area, a recommended high school sequence of study and a sampling of local college options within each field.