Tech Prep is career preparation through advanced placement and articulation agreements with post-secondary institutions. Through articulation, colleges recognize the achievement of college-level learning acquired through program work at LCCTC. This allows LCCTC students to earn college credits while they are still in high school.
Tech Prep is a national program designed to prepare students to enter specific programs of study. Tech Prep programs focus on academic and technical preparation with a program of study that combines two or four years of high school education with two or more years of post-secondary education.

You are a Tech Prep student if you have taken a rigorous academic program of study, established a career objective and plan to continue your education after high school. If you are unsure whether you are a Tech Prep student, ask your guidance counselor. Be sure to ask about Tech Prep programs and Tech Prep articulation agreements, which may allow you to gain college credits while you are still in high school.

LCCTC has articulated its programs with a wide range of colleges and technical schools. These articulated programs combine a rigorous academic core of math, science and communications with a high skill technical field of preparation. These agreements between LCCTC and post-secondary institutions include specific provisions that may provide for direct and/or automatic admission. This means that students who are applying for popular post-secondary programs have the advantage of being selected and enrolled ahead of non-Tech Prep students. All of these institutions offer advanced credit placement opportunities or priority admissions procedures with potential to earn college credit for program work mastered in an LCCTC program.

Articulation agreements recognize students' mastery of college level learning during their secondary technical program of study. Through documentation or examination, students may obtain college credits. Many post-secondary institutions that have agreements with LCCTC award credit for little or no cost. By obtaining credits, students will avoid taking duplicated program work and are eligible to select programs in advanced skill areas. By taking advanced skill programs, students enhance their opportunities for high-tech career employment.

Several reasons. First, most high schools require nine to 12 credits in math, science and communications in order to graduate. Second, students must be academically prepared to enter an LCCTC program. That means not only should all high school graduation requirements be fulfilled before the senior year, but the student should also take courses that directly relate to their future career program. This will provide them with the academic groundwork necessary to be successful at LCCTC. Third, students planning to enter a post-secondary program can save time and money by successfully completing more rigorous academic programs. Finally, and most importantly, 85 percent of all jobs in the United States require individuals who can perform at a high level of academic proficiency and occupational competency. Employers seek workers who are proficient at reading, writing, arithmetic, listening, speaking, problem solving and decision making.