Ohio's Community and Technical Colleges Are Powerful Partners in Developing Tech Prep Associate Degree Programs.

In this article, the author argues that many American states have overlooked the postsecondary component of the Tech Prep system, the associate degree, and examines the development of the tech prep associate degree program in Ohio. Many partners are involved, including technical colleges, community colleges, universities and university regional campuses. The community and technical colleges are developing competency-based curricula culminating in an associate degree with advanced technical skills. The colleges are building working relationships with secondary schools, business and industry to prepare students for the right associate degrees to provide skills for the technical careers likely to emerge in the future. The article highlights the reasons for the success of the Tech Prep initiative in Ohio and argues that one of the most significant factors is that the movement is a statewide, comprehensive plan involving all levels of education.