P-TECH Profile: Noah Walter

Noah Walter will earn his Electrical Technology degree this May after just one year on campus as a full-time student. He began taking classes here during his junior year at Fulton High School thanks to the P-TECH program. "I saw it as a very good opportunity for a college education. Although I was young and wasn't sure exactly what I wanted to do, I thought it was a good opportunity to pursue."

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.

Walter graduated from Fulton High School last June and spent his summer doing an internship at Huhtamaki, a packaging and labeling company in Fulton. "I worked as an electrician. That's when I realized I made the right decision choosing P-TECH."

Last month he began working as a Temporary Technician at Carrier. The position is a cross between being a mechanic and an electrician in Carrier's Research & Development. He landed the position thanks to connections through the P-TECH program. "The Professors I've had here, Professor (Betsy) Nicholas and Professor (Tab) Cox have been incredibly knowledgeable and have offered great insight on what to do for your future and the complete educational experience. My educational experience here has been very positive."

Walter hasn't decided yet if he will continue his education after he receives his associate degree. He hopes student considering whether to enter the P-TECH program in future years will realize what a great opportunity it is. "If you are interested in Mechanical Technology or Electrical Technology, it's a great pathway to explore. If you take it seriously and want to succeed, you can go far. If you work hard the hard work will pay off."