P-TECH Profile: Kiamesha Cotton

Kiamesha Cotton was introduced to technology at a young age through the Liberty Partnerships program and now she's turning that interest into career. "I was in the 8th grade. They showed me thinks like building robots, soldering, underwater robotics competitions, and electrical things. That's when it first began to interest me."

Cotton decided to become part of P-TECH, which 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.

She began her P-TECH coursework at the Institute of Technology at Syracuse Central (ITC) with a focus on Mechanical Technology. In her junior year she started taking classes on the Onondaga Community College campus. "Once we got into a good rhythm with P-TECH, it fit into the schedule well for each and every one of us."

Cotton earned her high school diploma in 2020 and became a full-time student here. During the fall 2021 semester her strong performance in the classroom paid off when she was offered a job at United Radio as a technician. She worked 36 to 40 hours a week over the semester break and is now working 20 hours a week during the semester.

In May she will complete work toward her Mechanical Technology degree. She's not sure what will follow but hopes future students will give the P-TECH program strong consideration. "It takes extra effort and you need to manage your social life, but if you are good in math and science you can do well in P-TECH."