What can my child do in high school to prepare for these careers?
Math skills, such as those used in algebra and trigonometry, are drawn upon in many problem solving situations throughout technology career paths.  Students need to continuously participate in math courses in order to develop and maintain useful math skills.  Participation in lab-based courses and courses using computers are also good preparation.

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Which high school courses are a must and which are not as critical?
Most critical to preparation for the college programs is to be prepared for college level algebra.  Generally speaking, continuous enrollment in math-based courses through the senior year will adequately prepare a student.  Other useful courses, though not as critical are chemistry, physics, Math/Science/Technology, drafting, and computer courses.

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Are there jobs after the two-year degree?
Recent graduates have all had several (3-5) job opportunities within our immediate region at salaries ranging from $30k - $40k.  There is no indication of a decline in these opportunities.**

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What is the cost of the two-year education?
The community college full-time tuition for a county resident is approximately $2600/year.  Each semester students should expect to spend between $150 and $300 on textbooks.

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Why should my child go to the community college for a two-year degree instead of going directly to a four-year college?
There are several advantages to the two-year program but the primary advantage is cost savings.  This is the case regardless of plans to continue at a four-year college.  It is a bargain for the first two years and then you may find you can afford more for the second two years!  Also, graduates are employable at competitive salaries with the two year degree and will probably find that their employer will essentially pay for the bachelor's degree.  Finally, the intermediary stepping stone of the associate's degree demonstrates to employers, four year colleges, and parents, that this person can succeed at college level work and can attain long term goals.

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What opportunities are there to finance the education?
There are many opportunities to finance the community college degree.  There are a wide variety of scholarships and other financial aid opportunities.  Also, due to the high demand for skilled employees, paid internships are readily available.*

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What transfer opportunities exist from the two-year technology program to four-year baccalaureate programs?
There is generally a direct transfer from the community college to any four year Electrical (Engineering) Technology or related engineering technology program.  This means that our two years are the first two years of a four year engineering technology degree.  Also, paths to regional college programs are in the works, such as the one-year path certificate program to take the two year technology graduate and prepare them to enter as juniors in the electrical or computer engineering program at SUNY New Paltz.  Also, a new four year degree program in Technology Management is being investigated at Marist College.*

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What colleges support this type of career path?
The colleges currently involved in consortium efforts include:  Dutchess Community College, Orange County Community College, Sullivan County Community College, and Ulster County Community College, SUNY New Paltz, and Marist College.  Only the community colleges offer the two year technology degree.*

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Who (a real person) do I contact to find out more about community college programs, four-year college programs, and high school programs?
Click Here!

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After reading about these careers, I am interested for myself! How do I get started?
Good!  You too can pursue this career path!  First, you should contact your local community college and schedule a time to have your English and math skills tested.  This helps to establish which courses you are prepared for.  The next step is to call the Technology Career Paths contact person at your local community college *(click here to see contact list)*.

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