P-TECH Profile: Cole Duschen

The P-TECH Program is helping Cole Duschen learn what he needs to know so he can begin working in his career field of choice at a young age. "I really love the experience. It's helping me get my foot in the door with an industry early on."

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.

Duschen began taking classes on the Onondaga Community College campus during his junior year at Mexico High School. "I started in Electrical Technology, realized it wasn't a good fit for me, and switched to Mechanical Technology. It's been much better for me, especially the hands-on labs."

This year, as a high school senior, Duschen comes to OCC four days a week. He enjoys the faculty within Mechanical Technology who he's had the opportunity to work with; Professors Zachary Dineen, Mike Grieb, Richard Mark, and Bob Tanchak. "They make it so you learn but you also have fun. You are more apt to pay attention. They make it more interactive."

This summer, as he receives his diploma from Mexico High School, Duschen will also be doing an internship at Novelis, an aluminum mill in Oswego. In the fall he will return to OCC and complete his associate degree. "If you are the kind of person who likes doing hands-on work, this is definitely the place for you. All of the teachers here are very supportive."