Co-ops

You can enhance the valuable skills gained in your high school College Tech Prep program and earn money if you elect a college cooperative education program (co-op).

Cooperative education blends classes with paid work experience in a particular technology. While programs vary according to college and program, students generally work a term and attend classes for a term. Co-op experiences typically start in the sophomore year of college. Academic requirements and application procedures vary. At one college, for example, students must complete 12 credit hours with at least six hours in the co-op technical skill area and maintain a 2.2 grade point average. Professional development coursework is also recommended and registration with the placement office is required.

Co-op opportunities

• Money to help finance education
   

• Valuable insights and relevant experience in your chosen field
   

• Competitive advantage in the job market
   

• Access and familiarity to prospective employers
   

• Credit hours
   

• Opportunity to use academic learning in real world situations
   

• Realistic idea of working in a chosen field