Tech Path

The educational core of the Berkshire Applied Technology Council (BATC, Inc.) is the 2+2+2 program.

The 2+2+2 program includes the junior and senior years of high school + 2 years of community college +2 years at a private or state college or university resulting in a four year degree.

This program is called TechPath. A core curricula of mathematics and science is coupled with specialized training and industry applications. This combination provides students and incumbent workers with the necessary foundation for a high-tech career. The TechPath program enables participants to put their learning to work.

TechPath was developed by area educators working closely with members of local industry including Crane & Company, General Dynamics, Interprint, Mead, GE Plastics, the Berkshire Plastics Network and others.

TechPath Benefits for Participating Students and Workers

• Opportunity to get on a pathway of lifelong learning with the flexibility to enter and exit the program at different milestones.
• High technology curricula developed to enable students to meet the demands of the rapidly changing workplace.
• Certificate and degree programs geared to specific career opportunities.
• Scholarships, work-based learning internships, and mentoring programs. Greater earnings potential and career advancement.
• Berkshire Community College credits during high school.
• An associate degree at BCC.
• Transfer opportunities to Clarkson, MCLA, Northeastern, RPI, SUNY, UMASS, Western New England College for a four year degree.

How to Get Started on TechPath

It is easy to get started. Students can obtain applications forms from high school guidance counselors of Berkshire Community College. Incumbent workers can obtain information from their company's human resources department or by calling Julie Hannum at 413-499-4660, x308.

Current TechPath Programs

• Pre-engineering program
• Workforce development programs
• Specialized core programs, in paper technology, plastics technology and machine and computer technology
• Internships
• Mentoring
• Berkshire Women on TechPath Project
• Co-operative work-study programs
• Industry sponsored workshops
• Teacher externship programs
• Berkshire Robotics Challenge
• Certificate Programs (earning college credits)
• Associates Degree
• Bachelors Degree

Berkshire Applied Technology Council Founders

Industry

• Berkshire Plastics Network
• Crane & Co., Inc.
• General Dynamics Defense Systems
• GE Plastics
• GLV/Beloit Corporation
• Graphic Impact Signs
• Interprint, Inc.
• Kleiser Walczak
• Marland Mold
• Mead Specialty Papers
• MedSource Technologies

Education

• Berkshire Community College
• Mass College of Liberal Arts
• Regional High Schools
• Williams College

Community

• Berkshire Council for Growth
• Berkshire County Regional Employment Board
• Berkshire Health Systems
• Cain Hibbard Myers & Cook
• Chamber of Commerce of the Berkshires
• Lee D. Flournoy, Attorney