Alexander Wejko didn't mean to become a P-TECH student, but now he can't imagine being anything else. "To be honest, I didn't know what I was getting into. I saw 'college' and thought it would be a great opportunity. Now I want to go down this path."
P-TECH stands for Pathways in Technology Early College High School. It's a program that provides high school students the opportunity to work toward their high school diploma and associate degree simultaneously, and ultimately a pathway to an in-demand job.
Wejko (pronounced WAY-ko) is a junior at Altmar-Parish-Williamstown High School who began taking P-TECH classes on the Onondaga Community College campus in the fall 2021 semester. He earned a perfect 4.0 grade point average in the Electrical Technology degree program. "This is such a great opportunity for students. I like the educational growth I've received. I've developed a new family here in P-TECH. I've made new friends and I've got my own new school."
Wejko will complete work toward his high school diploma in 2023, and earn his associate degree from OCC in 2024. He hopes to one day work for defense contractor Lockheed Martin.