The Tech Prep program is a partnership between the University of Connecticut and participating high schools. In the Tech Prep program, students preparing to enter the Ratcliffe Hicks School of Agriculture earn credits toward the Associate of Applied Science degree during their junior and senior year of high school. Focusing on career goals helps students make a smooth and successful transition from high school into the Associate degree program. Tech Prep agreements are developed individually between each participating high school and the University of Connecticut.

Courses and credits for the Tech Prep program are determined by both the Ratcliffe Hicks School and the participating high school. Tech Prep students who are admitted into the Associate of Applied Science degree program at UConn may receive up to 12 credits of approved coursework from high school. Credits may be approved for subjects that relate to courses and departments in the Ratcliffe Hicks School of Agriculture, such as:

Animal Science Plant Science Natural Resources Agricultural Mechanics Applied Mathematics Applied Biology/Chemistry Agricultural Communications

In addition to receiving credit toward the Associate of Applied Science degree, students participating in the Agricultural Education Tech Prep program benefit from:

• stronger academic preparation with more relevance to career goals
• increased motivation due to a strong relationship between school and employment
• opportunities for work experience in area of interests
• early communication with the Ratcliffe Hicks School that facilitates the admission process for entering the University of Connecticut
• potential for better performance in the Ratcliffe Hicks School due to knowledge and skills obtained in high school
• greater flexibility in course selection and credit load at UConn
• broader awareness of current agricultural practices and career opportunities
• long-range planning and networking that accelerates the job search process for meaningful and rewarding employment after graduation

Tech Prep articulation agreements are developed individually with each participating high school. The schools listed below currently have articulation agreements with the Ratcliffe Hicks School of Agriculture. Interest in the Tech Prep program continues to grow, and new schools in Connecticut and other states are always welcome.

Glastonbury High School, Glastonbury, CT

Lyman Hall High School, Wallingford, CT

Killingly High School, Danielson, CT

Lyman Memorial High School, Lebanon, CT

Middletown High School, Middletown, CT

Nonnewaug Regional High School, Woodbury, CT

Rockville High School, Vernon, CT

Edwin O. Smith High School, Storrs, CT

Southington High School, Southington, CT

Due to the flexibility and individualized nature of the Agricultural Education Tech Prep program, high schools do not need to offer an agricultural curriculum to participate in the program. Schools may also design an articulation agreement which emphasizes general education courses for students who plan to enter the Ratcliffe Hicks School of Agriculture.

For more information on the Agricultural Education Tech Prep program, please contact: