Agreement involving partners redesigning Bradley Tech creates opportunity with the iTech Academy
A group of information technology students from Milwaukee Public Schools’ Lynde and Harry Bradley Technology and Trade School spent May 15 at Milwaukee Area Technical College, exploring opportunities to earn both high school and college credit through “iTech Academy” while enrolled at Bradley Tech.
Students learned about MATC courses and met college faculty. Many of the students participated in hands-on activities related to MATC curriculum. iTech Academy, and a new agreement between the M3 partners – MPS, MATC, and the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee – helped to make it possible. M3 is a strategic partnership involving MPS, MATC, and UWM. This joint effort represents a commitment by the three educational entities to connect with students in stronger ways than ever before.
The iTech Academy initiative is the first showing of this alliance and more impactful programs are to follow. M3 is collaboratively engaging the K-16 pipeline in new and innovative ways.
The iTech Academy, set to begin this fall, enables Bradley Tech students to earn an MATC technical diploma in mobile application design, along with up to 31 college credits, by the fall following their high school graduation. Bradley Tech students already have the opportunity to earn select MATC credits, but the iTech Academy breaks new ground by offering a clearly articulated pathway that starts with a technical college diploma and the potential of an associate degree, employment and transferability of all earned credits to a four-year college.
The iTech Academy model will be used for potential district-college partnerships focused on other disciplines. MPS and MATC are also creating a pathway for Agriculture students at MPS’ Harold S. Vincent High School to earn up to 41 credits and a technical diploma toward a career in Food Manufacturing and Processing.
To help fund the iTech Academy, MPS, in partnership with MATC, won a competitive grant from the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development for instruction and student support.
In addition to college coursework, the program includes lunch lectures, technology workshops, business partner visits, college visits, job shadowing opportunities and career exploration events.
“Postsecondary education – whether it be a two-year or four-year college – is critical to success for our students,” Dr. Darienne Driver, MPS Superintendent, said. “We will continue to grow the number of postsecondary pathways for our students with this first-of-its-kind partnership between MPS and MATC.”
“This partnership with Bradley Tech and Milwaukee Public Schools offers a unique and innovative opportunity for students to earn transferrable college credits while still in high school and start on a career pathway,” said Dr. Vicki J. Martin, MATC president. “The iTech Academy also will introduce students to a rapidly emerging industry sector that has unlimited potential for growth.”
Students interested in attending Bradley Tech to take advantage of the iTech Academy or other offerings at the school should contact Bradley Tech at (414) 212- 2400.