Orange Technical College

Mission Statement

The reality is that technology has changed the types of jobs available today. It is not enough to know "about" something. You must also know how to "do" something. Skills, especially technical skills, are required in order to land a good job. Tech Prep can help you get those skills. The program links high school courses with college or technical center courses to give you the edge you need to stay on top of the job market. A bonus is the chance to earn college or tech center credits from the same classes you are taking in high school. Tech Prep is a cooperative effort of Orange County Public Schools, Osceola District Schools, and Valencia Community College.

Career and Technical Centers participate with Orange County Public Schools to provide students with the opportunity to take technical classes (electives) while obtaining the required academic courses at the home high school. Students typically earn two or three credits per year by enrolling in a three-hour technical program at one of the four adult and community education centers. The centers are:

OCPS Technical College Site

 

Students who attend one or two years of technical training through Dual Enrollment receive industry-level training in work-environment labs, have the opportunity to be placed in high-wage internships and jobs, can earn a certificate of completion while earning community college credit through Tech Prep and are eligible to apply for Tech Prep scholarships for post-secondary training. To be eligible for Dual Enrollment you must:

  • Be 16 years of age by the time school starts in August
  • Be on target for graduation and able to fit electives into half of your scheduled day
  • Have good attendance and discipline records
  • Complete an application obtained from the Tech Prep coordinator at your home school
  • Complete a state-approved basic skills assessment, and score at least 6.0 in reading, math and language
  • Attend an orientation and instructor interview at the center of your choice
  • Return parent permission forms with all signatures
  • Show proof of medical insurance upon enrollment

High school students with disabilities are also served through the Dual Enrollment program.