Denton
Fannin
Grayson
Today's workplaces, and those of the 21st century, require a new kind of worker -- one who excels at solving problems, thinking critically, working in teams, and constantly learning on the job. In this new global and technology-driven economy, the skills of the workforce are a company's major competitive advantage. Corporate, community, and individual success in this new economy means that our education system has to change, too.
The old "drill and grill" method of educating young people cannot keep up with or prepare all young people for the changing demands and opportunities of modern society. We can no longer afford a two-tiered educational system with high-standards academic preparation for some and low-standards general track or vocational preparation for others. Today's schools must offer all students challenging, relevant academics and meaningful work-based experiences in their communities. The consequences of our education system being out of sync with the changing nature of work have taken a toll on American business.
Consider this:
40% of college graduates fail to find a job in their field of study; 30% of the young people age 16-24 do not have the academic, social and entry-level skills necessary to succeed in the changing workplace. More than 50 percent of U.S. employers say they cannot find qualified applicants for entry-level positions. It is estimated that American business spends nearly $30 billion training and retraining its workforce. Until we as a society fully address the mismatch between what and how students are learning in high school and what they will be required to know and do to ensure successful careers, this figure is likely to continue to rise.
Global competition and new technologies are radically changing the workplace. The need for unskilled labor continues to decrease while the demand for highly skilled employees with the correct skills and abilities continues to increase.
The lack of direction, opportunity and hope for many of our young people are due, at least partly, to insufficient career and job information and counseling, inadequate application of classroom learning to real-life situations and an absence of mentoring and actual job skills prior to entering the workforce full time.
If you would like additional information about Tech Prep programs, please contact your high school counselor. If you are interested in having your high school participate in some of the programs Tech Prep offers you may contact:
or
Texoma Tech Prep
1525 W. California
Gainesville, Texas 76240
(940) 668-7731
Other 
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| Texas Colleges |
| Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board |
| Grayson County College |
| North Central Texas College |
