The city of Longmont will offer internships and mentoring to young students as part of a ground-breaking program offered by the St. Vrain Valley School District.
City councilors last week approved an agreement with the school district and several other entities — including Front Range Community College — to allow the city to collaborate in the district’s Pathways in Technology Early College High School, P-TECH, program.
P-TECH is the first of its kind in Colorado and is currently offered in three district high schools, according to a city staff report.
P-TECH brings together the “best elements of high school, college and the professional world, allowing students to earn a high school diploma as well an Associate degree at no cost to the student,” the report states.
The program includes significant internships and mentorship opportunities alongside industry partners, giving students a head start in their career after completing the program, the report states.
Students enroll in ninth grade and complete the program in 4-6 years. The school district has asked the city to participate in a new P-Tech class starting at Longmont High School. The city will offer internships and mentorship opportunities for the new class of students, starting in 2023, the report states.
“The city is excited to be a leading partner in the new Pathways to Technology Early College (PTECH) class at Longmont High School,” assistant city manager Sandi Seader said via email.
“We recognize the importance of mentoring young residents and look forward to the mutually beneficial relationships that are built during internships,” Seader said. “City government is an amazing career choice and we are ready to share that world with the students”.
