School superintendent Patrick Mayer and University of Alaska Southeast tech prep coordinator Kimberly Szczatko unveil her new office Monday at Wrangell High School. The move was part of a deal to improve access to the joint program, which allows high school students to earn college credits and other certifications.
The next steps have been taken on an agreement between the University of Alaska Southeast and Wrangell Public School District, with the establishment of an office for the university's technical preparation program.
The tech prep program is offered for college credit through the university, and courses are taught by approved instructors using UAS syllabi. Enrolled students earn high school credits needed for graduation as well, and school superintendent Patrick Mayer explained the program will allow them the opportunity to explore any of 79 different career pathways over four years.
Ordinarily $192 per credit hour, students participating in the tech prep program can take courses for $25 per credit; a semester course might usually be worth three credits. The program also helps students earn certifications and occupational endorsements which may be valuable for entering various fields directly after graduation.
"We're just excited to have these guys here," Mayer said. "It's a great partnership for us."
The program's regional coordinator Kimberly Szczatko settled herself into a room at the high school last week, which will be accessible to students and the wider public. Previously posted in Juneau, she pressed to be posted in Wrangell in order to focus more directly on the program.
The transition has been months in the making, with talks beginning last September. As part of the memorandum of understanding signed in May, Wrangell agreed to provide an office space for Szczatko. A room has been set up for her just west of the high school commons, near the ground floor exit.
From the new location, Szczatko said she will be able to provide a more local presence for school districts in Petersburg and Prince of Wales as well, broadening UAS footprint among Southeast communities.
"I work with all 54 school districts," Szczatko explained, though adding she works primarily with the 19 in Southeast. "It's really nice to have one person that they can go to," she added.
Participation in schools across the region has been high. Last year students across Southeast clocked 1,458 credits through the program. In Wrangell, students enrolled for a total of 59 courses during the fall and spring semesters.
Currently Wrangell High School has offered courses in woodworking, basic welding, construction and computer literacy. This upcoming year it anticipates adding AutoCAD and Certified Nurse Aid courses.
The Emergency Medical and Emergency Trauma technician courses the school has been offering are worth six and three credits, respectively. Students involved in those programs get to work with local emergency service personnel in addition to coursework, and those coming out of the EMT course each receive state certification upon completion.
Dorianne Curley with the Wrangell Volunteer Fire Department instructs for both courses, the costs for which the department covers. She explained the program not only gives students vocational experience and college credit, but benefits the city's own fire and medical response programs as well.
"One of our juniors through the high school was one of our top responders last year," she pointed out. Recent graduate Mikey Ottesen had been named the department's responder of the year.
"It just helps get these guys started and opens the door for them," Curley said.
Szczatko sees the program as a unique opportunity for building partnerships in the community, allowing instructors, businesses and professionals to work with students and foster a future workforce. She would like to see the program benefit the current workforce as well, with the establishment of adult courses through UAS. One was offered in February as a sort of trial, with a Coast Guard instructor flown in to deliver a two week 100-Ton Master or Six-Pack course at the school's district office.
For more information, drop by the new office or call at 874-2427.
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