The name given to programs that offer at least 4 years of sequential course work at the secondary and postsecondary levels to prepare students for technical careers. The curricula are designed to build student competency in academic subjects, as well as to provide broad technical preparation in a career area.
Administered by ICCB, Tech Prep is a federally funded education program built upon three critical components intended to develop seamless pathways that prepare students for high-wage, high-demand careers: 1) linkages between academic and career and technical educators; 2) articulation between secondary and postsecondary education; & 3) collaboration between educators and the business community. Programs are run locally through an educational partnership between the community college, high schools, and various other entities involved with the delivery of career and technical education in their region. There are 40 local Tech Prep Consortium in Illinois.