P-TECH Model Revolutionizes Education with Tuition-Free Pathway to College and Career

Rashid Davis has spent over two decades developing innovative education models that bridge the gap between high school and the workforce. As the founding principal of P-TECH, a tuition-free pathway from ninth grade to college and career, Davis has helped scale a model that began in one Brooklyn classroom and now spans 17 states and 25 countries.

P-TECH stands for Pathways in Technology Early College High School, and its unique 9-14 secondary innovation provides students with job opportunities after earning a free two-year STEM degree. This model aims to close the gap in preparing students for the digital age and emerging technology opportunities.

A study by MDRC found that P-TECH students had better internship opportunities, college enrollment, and successful college course taking compared to traditional pathways. By 2026, the model has been replicated in 17 states and 28 countries, serving a majority Black male population with poverty rates above 80%.

The IBM partnership played a crucial role in proving this model's effectiveness, providing students with access to internships and apprenticeships before full-time hiring. This skills-first approach connects colleges and high schools, giving students real-world experience that produces innovation for teenagers.