P-TECH Program Grads Earn Degree and Diploma

Harford Community College congratulates graduates of the P-TECH (Pathways in Technology Early College High School) Program who earned associate degrees from the College as well as diplomas from Joppatowne High School. In 2025, there were nine graduates of the program. Three students earned an AAS in Computer and Information Systems, and six students earned an AAS in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity. In addition, one student earned a Certificate in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity.

The highly successful P-TECH Program is a partnership between Harford Community College, Harford County Public Schools and the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command (CECOM) on Aberdeen Proving Ground. The program enables a student to graduate with both a high school diploma and an AAS degree from Harford in one of two pathways: Information Assurance and Cybersecurity or Computer Information Systems.

Funding for P-TECH is provided by a grant through Maryland State Department of Education; there are nine programs in Maryland high schools. The program in Harford County is held at Joppatowne High School with college professors coming on-site to teach. There is a specific course sequence for students to follow for their high school and college coursework. Students in the program start their first college course during the summer between 9th and 10th grade.

More About P-TECH
P-TECH combines the best elements of high school, college and work-based learning. Students are immersed in high school as well as college courses while working in the field of computer information systems or cyber security. The program empowers students to pursue advanced education and to be financially successful in a global economy.

The program meets the needs of every high school student who wishes to graduate from high school with a free college degree in four to six years. Any rising ninth grader may apply to the program.

P-TECH is offered at Joppatowne High School in partnership with Harford Community College and CECOM at APG, offering students paid internships and individualized mentorship throughout their education.

About Harford Community College
Harford Community College offers more than 90 affordable degree programs and 65+ career and workforce programs of study as well as a variety of noncredit community education and workforce development courses. Located on 352 acres near Bel Air, Harford Community College has been helping Harford Countians achieve their goals since 1957.