Pathways in Technology Early College High Schools (P-TECH) is an innovative partnership between a school district, a community college, and one or more local high growth industry employers. Students begin as early as ninth grade and continue for up to six years (i.e. high school and two equivalent years of college). Students graduate with both a high school diploma and an industry-recognized associate degree, in addition to gaining relevant workplace skills.

The P-TECH pathways that are offered at STEM are Robotics and Automation (formally Mechatronics), Cybersecurity and Game Design and Development. Robotics and Automation (Mechatronics) is a synergetic integration of mechanical, electrical, control, automation, robotics, computer systems for industry and computer engineering technologies. Cybersecurity prepares students to access the security needs of computer and network systems, recommend safeguard solutions, and manage the implementation and maintenance of security devices, systems, and procedures. Game Design and Development offers training in game programming and development, 2D and 3D modeling and animation, and allows students to pick an emphasis in multimedia or computer science.

STEM School Highlands Ranch will pay the tuition portion of that college education that is outlined in the P-TECH pathway. Families are responsible for books, fees, and additional costs associated with online or ACC on campus classes, as well as courses that are not outlined in the P-TECH pathway.

To qualify for the P-TECH Program, students must:

• Be in 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th grade.
• Be enrolled in P-TECH program by October of 11th grade.
• Be a student of good standing in previous coursework and show a history of strong standardized test scores. This includes a GPA of 3.0 for the previous 2 semesters.
• Have a social maturity to excel in a college environment.
• Must follow the attendance policy at STEM School Highland Ranch.
• Receive a minimum score on the ACT, SAT, or Accuplacer as needed.
• Complete all portions of the P-TECH application and submit the completed application to the Career Discovery Coordinator by the published deadlines.
• Be enrolled in available P-TECH courses.
• Be enrolled in the College Opportunity Fund.

*Students who fail to meet these requirements, might not be eligible to enroll in Concurrent Enrollment courses paid for by STEM.