College Credit & Apprenticeship Opportunities

Opportunities for Students Enrolled in OACTEP

1. APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Apprenticeships can be undertaken in a huge number of different sectors and industries, from agriculture, law and engineering to education, retail and art. An apprenticeship is a real job with training, so you can earn a wage while you learn and become fully trained in your chosen occupation by the end of the apprenticeship.

OACTEP has partnered with two industry organizations to provide our students with the opportunity and advantage in participating in two apprenticeship programs:

1. Dutchland, Inc

2. Northeast Equipment Dealers Association and the PA Department of Agriculture 

In participating with these two state apprenticeship programs OACTEP is creating a pipeline specifically for students to earn and learn while receiving an income and a permanent position in their career field.

2. DUAL ENROLLMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Dual enrollment allows high school students to take college classes while they are still enrolled in high school. This could be online or through brick and mortar schools and may occur during the school day or even at night or on weekends. These classes count for both high school and college credit. High school students who complete dual-enrollment classes generally take fewer classes in college and save money on total college costs.

How dual enrollment works

• Dual enrollment, also referred to as dual credit, allows current high students to take college-level classes that count for high school and college credit.

• Most dual-enrollment classes are taken at the student’s high school, local community college or online. Dual-enrollment classes are available for students pursuing a Bachelor’s degree, Associate’s degree or Career and Technical Education certificates.

• To earn college credit, students must pass a dual-enrollment class with a C or better. The grade earned will be part of the student’s college academic record. Unlike AP classes, students do not have to pass an exam to earn college credit. 

• However, not all colleges accept dual-enrollment credits. An in-state public college is more likely to accept dual-enrollment credits than out-of-state public colleges or private colleges. Students should research their dual-enrollment options and meet with their school counselor before enrolling in a dual-enrollment class.

Benefits of Dual Enrollment         

Secondary students who have completed at least one college course are more likely to: 

• Successfully complete high school

• Enroll in a postsecondary institution 

• Persist through the second semester of college 

• Complete more postsecondary credits overall and earn a higher GPA 

• Finish their chosen degree -- on time

3. ARTICULATION AGREEMENTS

Articulated courses are partnership agreements with industry and higher postsecondary institution partners. Students may earn college credits if they successfully complete the course, demonstrate competency on the NOCTI Exam, and choose to attend the partner institution.

OACTEP Partner Institutions

Animal and Plant Science: Delaware Valley University Rutgers University Harcum University Dairy Leaders of Tomorrow

Business Academy: Harrisburg Area Community College     

Culinary and Baking/Pastry Arts: Restaurant School of Philadelphia  

Diversified Occupations: Penn College of Technology

Graphic Design and Illustration: Penn College of Technology Full Sail University 

Honors Engineering: Delaware County Community College

Homeland Security and Protective Services Academy: Penn College of Technology

Mechanical Systems Technology: Delaware Valley University

Woodworking Technology: Bucks County Community College Thaddeus Stevens University

SOAR CREDITS

The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) developed and  supports the SOAR Program, which helps career and technical  education programs lead seamlessly to post-secondary education. SOAR creates a transfer  credit relationship between OACTEP and 42 Pennsylvania  colleges. Students  who achieve SOAR’s challenging academic and technical criteria by the time they graduate from OACTEP can  earn free credits to transfer to college, saving tuition for close to  one full semester of college. 

Which Colleges offer SOAR credit for your program? Clink here on CollegeTransfer.net: www.collegetransfer.net/Search/PA-Bureau-of-CTE-SOAR-Programs

4. ADVANCED PLACEMENT COURSES

Advanced Placement Program The following subject areas offer Advanced Placement courses: English, U.S. History, U.S. Government and Politics, Psychology, Calculus, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Music Theory, and Art. Summer assignments are often required and must be completed by the deadlines in order for students to remain in the course. At the completion of the course, students are expected to take the Advanced Placement Examination given in May of each year. The fee for the exam is approximately $94. Colleges may accept test scores as completed college level work.