July 15, 2021
P-TECH Graduates: The Celebrations and Successful Futures that Follow
During eight days in June, Baltimore City Public Schools seniors from 26 schools reached a momentous milestone: walking across the stage at their high school graduation. The busy week of inspiring, joyful ceremonies felt like a reunion, a return to in-person gatherings, and a festive celebration of a well-deserved achievement.
Students did incredible things to get to that moment. They set goals and created paths toward the futures they envision - whether that be college or career. Stories of success are easy to find. Just take a look at City Schools' P-TECH Program - a four-to-six year journey in Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) where students receive a high school diploma and an associates degree - currently offered at Carver Vocational-Technical High School, Paul Laurence Dunbar High School and New Era Academy. The program offers in-depth instruction on transportation and logistics, health sciences, or information technology - giving students meaningful experiences in the fields of their choosing.
One student, Kendae Kesiah Arnulf, earned a high school diploma and an associate's degree at P-TECH at Carver Vocational-Technical High School. But Kendae didn’t simply complete the program - he did so at the top of his class. He graduated from Carver and received his two-year college degree in Cyber Security from Baltimore City Community College with a 4.0 GPA, earning him valedictorian of the college. This summer, Kendae is an intern with IBM. Read more about Kendae’s achievement, here.
Ilijah Stovall, another P-TECH student, just completed his five-year program. After graduation from P-TECH at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School last year, Ilijah continued his studies at Baltimore City Community College and earned his Associates of Applied Science Degree in Respiratory Care this past June. He is the first PTECH student to graduate from Dunbar and the first student in ALL of Maryland to earn this specific degree.
City Schools graduates are getting to work and gaining valuable experience. Through partnerships with the local business community, they are accessing opportunities to learn, trying new things, and exploring options for their futures. From the 20 apprentices working with local contractor RE Harrington to the increase in internships offered by local tech companies, Baltimore City Public School graduates are beginning their post-high school journeys on the right foot.
Learn more about City Schools PTECH programs:
P-TECH at Paul Laurence Dunbar High
P-TECH at Carver Vocational-Technical High
P-TECH at New Era Academy
Be sure to check out City Schools TV for streams of the graduation ceremonies this year.