Ossining Joins P-Tech Program for Promising Career Pathways

The Ossining Union Free School District (OUFSD) is proud to announce its participation in the P-Tech Collaborative Program, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at empowering high school students and equipping them with the necessary skills to thrive in high-demand industries. In collaboration with Peekskill City School District (PCSD), Putnam Northern Westchester BOCES (PNW BOCES), SUNY Westchester Community College (WCC), and employer partners, OUFSD is poised to offer students a unique educational opportunity.

The P-Tech Collaborative Program will enable 50 new students from OUFSD and PCSD, starting in grade nine, to pursue high school diplomas while simultaneously working towards Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees in four specialized pathways. These pathways include Health Information Technologies, Paramedic (EMT), Computer Information Systems, and Cybersecurity, all of which are in high demand in today's job market.

Superintendent Mary Fox-Alter of the Ossining Union Free School District expressed her enthusiasm for the program, stating, "We are thrilled to be part of the P-Tech Collaborative Program, which will provide our students with exceptional opportunities to gain valuable skills and knowledge in areas with promising career prospects. By joining forces with our esteemed partners, we can ensure that our students receive comprehensive support and guidance to achieve their academic and professional goals."

The collaborative effort brings together a diverse group of partners who have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to solidify their commitment to the program's success. In addition to PCSD, OUFSD, PNW BOCES, and WCC, the program's business/employer partners include Open Door Family Medical Center, Sun River Health, Peekskill Volunteer Ambulance Corps, and Ossining Volunteer Ambulance Corps. Each business partner will provide invaluable internships and mentoring opportunities to enrolled students, facilitating their transition from education to employment.

Under the P-Tech Collaborative Program, students will not only receive academic intervention services and counseling but will also have access to the full range of facilities and resources offered by Westchester Community College. This includes clubs, gymnasiums, and state-of-the-art computer learning labs, enabling students to maximize their learning experience and expand their horizons.

The program specifically targets students at risk of academic failure and economically disadvantaged students, both of which are prevalent in the participating school districts. By focusing on these groups, the P-Tech Collaborative Program aims to level the playing field and provide equal access to high-quality education and rewarding career opportunities.

The Ossining Union Free School District is well-prepared to contribute to the success of the P-Tech Collaborative Program, with a high school curriculum that enables students to obtain diplomas. While graduation rates currently stand at an average of 84%, the district remains committed to improving these figures through innovative educational initiatives like P-Tech.