The international Pathways in Technology (P-TECH) programme works with students beginning in the ninth grade and gives those successfully completing four years of high school an opportunity to earn a two-year technical associate degree from a local community college, at no cost.

Lenel S2 employee mentors work with about 20 students in the P-TECH programme, and according to Paul Wisotzke, manager, test and validation, Lenel S2, and programme mentor, P-TECH is a great solution for technology companies seeking well-prepared job candidates.

“P-TECH is filling a necessary void,” Wisotzke said. “I view my role as a programme mentor as a wise investment as it becomes more difficult for the security industry to find necessary employees with IT-related skills.”

Herman Perry, a computer sciences teacher and head mentor for the P-TECH programme at Edison, said Lenel S2’s participation has been nothing but positive.

“Paul and his team have been outstanding,” Perry said. “Having a professional closely work with these kids helps spark their interest in getting the education they’ll need for a good career. It helps them see themselves as engineers.”

P-TECH students learn coding, software development and other IT skills, as well as office basics such as time management, creating and delivering presentations and writing effective emails. The programme also incorporates a rigorous science, technology, engineering and mathematics based curriculum. Students must maintain passing grades in all high school classes in order to remain in the programme. Graduating Edison High School students can continue their P-TECH-related studies at Monroe Community College in Rochester.

"After completing the six-year programme, P-TECH students may accept jobs with their mentoring companies or continue their education at a four-year college or university," Perry said.