P-TECH students at the Ellenville Central School District can now get some early experience in business, thanks to a brand-new accounting pathway in the program. It's open to all current P-TECH scholars, and upon completion, students can get a Business Accounting Associate's Degree from SUNY Ulster free of charge.

“As we continue to listen to our scholars and look at the opportunities that will prepare them for life beyond high school, we recognized the need to expand our P-TECH pathways,” said P-TECH Principal Kerri Galloway. “The addition of Business Accounting gives our scholars another meaningful pathway to explore their interests, develop career-ready skills, and earn a college degree at no cost to them. Our goal is to ensure that every P-TECH scholar can see a pathway that connects their interests to a future career.”

P-TECH (Pathways in Technology Early College High School) offers students a jump-start on college-level work, starting in Grade 9. Students get hands-on career experience while completing a high school diploma, then move on to SUNY Ulster full time in the last two years. Business accounting is the third pathway, joining Advanced Manufacturing Technology and Network Administration.

The new business pathway is unique in its inclusion of Ulster BOCES courses and workplace visits, so students can learn directly from professionals. Ellenville Regional Hospital is coming on as a formal industry partner, joining the Hudson Valley's Council of Industry.

“P-TECH is most powerful when students can see how what they are learning in the classroom connects to the world beyond school,” Galloway said. “Our industry partners help make that connection real by providing students with opportunities to learn from professionals, explore different careers, and understand the skills and expectations of the workplace.

To learn more about P-TECH, visit ecs.k12.ny.us/o/pta.