What Exactly Does Tech Prep Do?
The Central Texas Tech Prep Consortium represents secondary education and higher education institutions, businesses, industry, and labor in the Central Texas area. It is composed of two community colleges, and 36 independent school districts, numerous businesses, government agencies, and two universities. The consortium encompasses the counties of Bell, Burnet, Coryell, Hamilton, Lampasas, Llano, Milam, Mills, San Saba Counties and part of Williamson County. Tech Prep Consortia are charged with coordinating the planning, development, and implementation of comprehensive programs to be implemented in the public schools and community and technical colleges.

A Tech Prep education program is a combined secondary and post secondary program, beginning in high school and continuing through two years of post secondary education, which:
(a) leads to an associate degree with advanced technical skills or a two year certificate;
(b) provides technical preparation in at least one field of engineering technology, applied science, mechanical, industrial or practical trade, or agriculture, health, or business;
(c) builds student competence in mathematics, science, and communications (including applied academics) through a sequential course of study;
(d) is developed utilizing input from secondary schools, post secondary institutions, business and industry; and
(e) leads to placement in employment.

Tech Prep programs must include the following elements
to be eligible for federal funding:

	articulation agreement
	appropriate curriculum design
	curriculum development
	in-service teacher training
	counselor training
	equal access for special populations
	and preparatory services.

The consortia work under the direction of a multi-agency partnership which includes, but is not limited to, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the Texas Education Agency with authorization by the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Act of 1998. Temple College serves as the fiscal agent for the Central Texas Tech Prep Consortium.

The activities of the consortium are designed to accomplish the goals outlined above. One important and highly visible component of a Tech Prep program is the vertical alignment of curriculum through articulation agreements. School districts and  higher education institutions commit to articulation agreements which guarantees  that students receive college credit for high school courses. Another key element is to provide professional development activities for teachers which focus on integrating workforce skills across the entire curriculum. In addition to curriculum development, the consortium can provide support for districts as they educate students about future employment projections so the students can make informed decisions as they plan for post secondary education.