Superintendents from a number of Dutchess County school districts gathered at Roy C. Ketcham High School in Wappinger on Wednesday to meet with students enrolled in a first-of-its-kind program in the state.  With Dutchess County BOCES as the lead for the P-Tech program, high school students from Poughkeepsie, Wappinger, Arlington, and Pawling are simultaneously working toward their high school diplomas and Associate’s Degrees at Roy C. Ketcham High School in the Wappingers Central School District.

The unique P-Tech program is a partnership between Dutchess County BOCES, Dutchess Community College, Wappingers Central School District, The Council of Industry, and OnSemi that allows the select students to earn both their diplomas and degrees over four years.  Other P-Tech programs in New York require the typical six-years of study.

This hands-on, project-based PTECH (Pathways in Technology) program prepares students for careers in science, technology, engineering and math.

“We are so glad to have all of you here,” Wappingers Superintendent Dr. Dwight Bonk said. “You are students of your own districts, yes…but you are also our students.” He encouraged the students to ask questions and give feedback. “You are in a very special place.  You have the opportunity to make this program successful – and making this program successful means you are successful,” he told the small group of students.

  The enrolled students from other districts are transported to and from Ketcham by their home districts.