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NanoTrek: Information TechnologySchuylkill Area School District


The NanoTrek: Information Technology program allows high school students to get a head start on Information Technology at Pennsylvania College of Technology by taking Penn College classes during the school day at Schuylkill Technology Center.  NanoTrek students receive college credits on a Penn College transcript.


 
   

Program Basics

NanoTrek students have a definite advantage: When they enroll in NanoTrek classes, students will earn college credits and the credits and grades are placed on a Penn College transcript.  The grades the student earns in the NanoTrek courses at Schuylkill High School become part of the permanent college record and grade point average of the student.  In addition, this college transcript may allow the NanoTrek courses to transfer to other colleges.  (The transferability of a course to a college other than Penn College is determined by the college where the student enrolls, not by Penn College.)

 

Just like any other college student, a NanoTrek student will be held to the same criteria as on-campus Penn College students.  Each course is exactly the same course that is taught at Penn College, so the tests will be harder, the class work more rigorous, and the projects will be more extensive than other high school courses.  NanoTrek students must adhere to the Penn College policies including those that reference course prerequisites, placement testing requirements, academic dishonesty, and dropping or withdrawal from their course(s).  See key policies and procedures for NanoTrek students.

 

Program Features

NanoTrek students are introduced to the role of being a college student.  Knowing that a course can “count” on a college transcript can motivate students to achieve.  Students see a clear connection between what they are studying and their career goals and are ready to make the transition to a college campus after high school.

 

The Schuylkill Technology Center faculty are another strong feature of the NanoTrek program. Schuylkill Technology Center teachers have worked with Penn College faculty so that the high school courses are rigorous and equivalent to the Penn College courses.

 

Program Costs
The tuition rate for students who are accepted into the courses and the program can be found on the tuition and fees page. This must be paid by check or money order to Pennsylvania College of Technology when requested by the Schuylkill Technology Center.  We encourage students to purchase textbooks for their classes since these books are foundation textbooks for the college program. It is up to your school district whether you must buy the required textbooks for your courses. Some schools buy the books for the students, and some do not. However, if purchasing the books is an economic hardship, scholarships are available for students who are on the free and reduced lunch program at your school.  Estimated costs of texts and the names of the required books can be found on the textbooks page.

Programs Entrance Requirements
To qualify for entrance into the NanoTrek: Information Technology program at Schuylkill Technology Center, students must pass the reading portion of the regular Penn College placement tests.   These placement tests will be offered at the Schuylkill Technology Center or at Pennsylvania College of Technology. Students who do not pass these placement tests at the identified levels are not eligible to enroll in the Penn College courses.  Students must pass the reading portions of the placement tests to be eligible to enroll in any of the information technology courses.  In addition, for the student to be eligible to enroll in CIT 160, CIT 171 or CIT 180, the student must pass the mathematics placement test.

 

After graduating and successfully completing the high school portion of the NanoTrek program, an eligible student may enter Pennsylvania College of Technology, a special mission affiliate of Penn State, with up to 15 credits toward any of five Information Technology associate degrees:  Cisco® Technology Emphasis (CI), IInformation Technology Technician Emphasis (TN), Network Technology Emphasis (NW), Technical Support Technology Emphasis (TU), Web and Applications Technology Emphasis (WT).

 

Following the awarding of the associate’s degree, the student can begin one of the Information Technology bachelor’s degrees:  Information Technology Security Specialist Concentration (BSS), Network Specialist Concentration (BNW) or Web and Applications Development Concentration (BWD) as a college junior.  These articulated programs give students several attractive educational options.  See high school course outline here.

 

Nanotechnology Capstone Semester

Upon completing their bachelor's degree at Penn College, the students will participate in a final, 18-credit, capstone semester at the Penn State Center for Nanofabrication Education and Utilization at University Park earning a competency credential in Nanofabrication Technology from Penn College.
 

The Capstone Semester program gives students a chance to hit the ground running in the high-tech world of the nanotechnology, semiconductor and semiconductor supplier industries. An education in nanofabrication manufacturing technology can open pathways to well-paying careers in pharmaceuticals and biomedical applications, micro-electromechanical devices (MEM’s), opto-electronics, sensors, power electronics and of course, microelectronics (chips).

 

 

How to Enroll
Prior to scheduling your high school courses in the spring, students can talk to their school counselor to receive information on how to enroll in this exciting program.  An application packet is available from your school district’s point of contact.  Final determination of course and program eligibility can only be determined after the student has completed the Penn College placement tests.  Check with your local school district’s point of contact to see when these tests are scheduled.

Jump start your future--with NanoTrek!

 
 
 

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