East Baton Rouge Parish School System: Tara Magnet High School Is Preparing Students For The Future With Its Early College Program

Press release from the East Baton Rouge Parish School System:

Oct. 26 2021

Tara partnered with IBM, Baton Rouge Community College and the East Baton Rouge Parish School System to create Pathways in Technology Early College (P-Tech). The program provides ninth- to 12th graders with an associate degree in applied science in computing and information technology. In addition, the tuition-free program has helped students who graduate from the program have the chance to continue their education at a four-year university or enter the workforce. Students also have the opportunity to enroll in dual-credit courses through the accelerated program.

“The intent for the program was not just to fill an industry need but to also boost the economic potential of our community in Baton Rouge,” Holmes said. “We make sure our students are employable and have the skills that they need early to succeed.”

The students learn technical skills such as JavaScript, C++, Systems, Intro to Logic Programming and basic terminology for coding. They are also learning how to construct elevator pitches, résumés, cover letters and LinkedIn profiles.

“When you hear things like ‘early high school, college program,’ other schools come to mind,” Holmes said. “What’s different about this one is that students are exposed to Fortune 500 companies and receive all of the resources that come with it. For example, we have an IBM representative that’s on-site every other week, as well as a BRCC liaison. So the students are well supported.”

This press release was produced by the East Baton Rouge Parish School System. The views expressed here are the author’s own.