Pathmakers Episode 6: The P-TECH Education Revolution

Join Chuck Wallace on Pathmakers as he dives into Maryland's gold standard for early college and career integration: the P-TECH (Pathways to Technology Early College High School) program.

In this episode, a panel of experts, Kellise Williamson, Bob Shaffer, Dr. Shomari Zachary, and Dr. Kisha Dorch, unpack how P-TECH creates a seamless pathway from high school to an associate degree and straight into the workforce. You'll hear how local school systems are partnering with industry leaders to provide students with paid internships, mentorships, and industry-recognized credentials before they even graduate. Learn the secrets to building a supportive "P-TECH family" that empowers historically underserved students, ensures they stay on academic track, and gives them the ultimate competitive advantage in the job market.

If you're an educator, industry professional, or parent looking for innovative ways to bridge the gap between K-12, higher education, and the workforce, this episode provides a blueprint for successful educational partnerships.

Be sure to like, subscribe, and leave a comment! Visit marylandpublicschools.org to learn more.

Host: Chuck Wallace

Guest:

Kellise Williamson, Postsecondary Credit & P-Tech Coordinator 

Bob Shaffer, Senior Project Delivery Leader at RK&K

Dr. Kisha Dorch, P-Tech Coordinator at Fredrick Douglass High School

Dr. Shomari Zachary, P-Tech Coordinator at Joppatowne High School 

Time Stamps:

00:00 Intro

01:16 What is P-TECH?

03:22 Harford County's Mentorship Model

06:22 Prince George's Support System

10:15 Industry Partnering with RK&K

12:08 Changing Student Recruitment

15:37 MSDE's Support for Districts

17:09 Meaning of P-TECH

17:32 Hiring P-TECH Graduates

19:34 Preparing K-12 Teachers

22:00 Individualized Student Paths

24:37 Advice for School Districts

27:00 P-TECH Schools in Maryland

27:57 Building the Ultimate Resume

31:47 Future of P-TECH

34:08 Why Businesses Should Partner

37:00 Exemplifying MSDE Core Values

38:39 Closing