Key Highlights:
- The P-Tech program by IBM is an integrated curriculum of high-school and college-level courses specializing in STEM
- The program will allow students to enter into the field of technology right after their graduation
- No cost or academic qualification is required to enroll in the program
Encouraging STEM Education
IBM has recently launched the Unama’ki Pathways in Technology (P-Tech) Early College High School program at Allison Bernard Memorial High School, Eskasoni. IBM Canada has launched the program in partnership with Nova Scotia Community College, Mi’kmaw Economic Benefits Office, and Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey. The PTech program has been launched with the motive of providing STEM education and encouraging the youth to pursue education in technology. The technology field has a huge demand for skilled workers and is expected to grow further.
What is the P-Tech Program?
The P-Tech program is an integrated curriculum of high school and college-level courses specializing in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This program will provide students the advantage to move into the field of technology after graduation. It allows the students to graduate with a high school diploma, a two-year college diploma, and work experience through industry mentorship and paid internships. Nineteen students from three Mi’kmaw communities in Cape Breton–We’koqma’q, Eskasoni, and Wagmatcook–have already enrolled for the P Tech program and are expected to graduate in two years.
Implications of the P-Tech Program
IBM had created the program in 2011 to boost education equity and workforce diversity in STEM-related industries. The program has now been implemented in schools in over 28 countries out of which 5 of them are located in Canada. The Unama’ki P Tech program in the Mi’kmaw community will integrate the Mi’kmaw language and culture into the curriculum. Also, the graduates from the Unama’ki P-Tech school will get the first chance to give the interviews. Students are not required to provide any kind of cost or academic qualifications to enroll in the P-Tech program. The main aim of the P-Tech program is to build a robust and diverse talent pool for the country and prepare all the communities for the future.
Also Read: The 10 Best STEM Universities of 2021
