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Peekskill City Schools

Keeping the Promise

P-Tech & Smart Scholars

Contact Information

  • Dr. Melanie Roman

    Director of Early College Secondary Programs (914) 737-3300 Ext. 1570

P-Tech & Smart Scholars

Exciting New Pathways for Peekskill Students: P-Tech and Smart Scholars Programs

The Peekskill City School District is thrilled to announce two transformative opportunities for our students: the Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-Tech) and the Smart Scholars Early College programs. Thanks to prestigious grants from the New York State Education Department, students entering 9th grade can now embark on unique educational journeys leading to academic excellence and career success—all at no cost to their families!

What is the Selection Process and When Do I Find Out?

The Early College Committee will conduct a selection process upon receipt of all applications and after applicant interviews have been concluded. Selected students are required to attend the Summer Bridge program. Students who meet the requirements but who are not selected will be placed on a waiting list. Should a slot become available before the start of the school year, it will be offered to a student from the waitlist.

How to Apply

Application Requirements:

  • Current 8th-grade students passing all classes.
  • Complete the detailed application form and provide all necessary documentation. Access the Early College application here: Early College Student Application
  • Obtain a recommendation from a Math or Science teacher for STEM pathways or a Performing Arts teacher for Arts pathways.
  • Participate in a student/guardian interview and attend an informational session.

Application Timeline

Application Deadline: Early to Mid-May (Exact date will be advertised)
Interviews: Last week in May
Acceptance Notification: June 

Join Us and Shape Your Future!

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to leap ahead in your educational and career aspirations. For more information, please contact Dr. Melanie Roman,

Director of Early College Secondary Programs, at mroman@peekskillschools.org.

Prepare to embark on an inspiring journey that will open doors to new possibilities and lifelong success.

Apply now and be part of Peekskill’s first cohort of P-Tech and Smart Scholars students!

P- Tech Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is P-Tech? 
    The P-Tech program connects high school with college curriculum while providing work-based learning opportunities and skills through partnerships with Westchester Community College and Industry Partners. There is a six-year commitment from students and guardians which will lead to a New York State High School Diploma and an Associate Degree from Westchester Community College.

    Who is eligible to apply?
    Any 8th grade student attending Peekskill Middle School. P-Tech welcomes students from all backgrounds, fostering a diverse community that includes young people from low-income families, first-generation college students, English language learners, and students with disabilities.

    How do I apply? 
    Please speak to your school counselor and complete the application. Submit the application with all the completed documents in May to your school counselor or drop it off to the Administration building at 1031 Elm Street. Interviews will be conducted with students and their guardians as applications are received starting the last week of May.

    When will I be notified of my acceptance? 
    Students will be notified in early June.

    Will there be a waitlist if I don’t get accepted because you are at capacity? 
    Twenty-Five (25) students will be accepted into the P-Tech program and fifty (50) students will be accepted into the Smart Scholars program. A wait list will be kept for both programs through the end of the summer before the start of 9th grade year. 

    Can I apply to both the P-Tech and Smart Scholars program? 
    YES, you're welcome to apply to both programs! When applying, please indicate your preference by listing your first and second choices.

    What happens if I decide this program isn’t right for me? Will I lose any of the credits earned? 
    No, you will not lose any of the credits you have already earned. Your college credits, obtained from Westchester Community College, are fully transferable to any SUNY school.

    What degree will I earn?
    Students who complete the program will earn their high school diploma and an Associate Degree in one of the following chosen pathways (Cybersecurity, Computer Information Systems, Health Information Technology, Paramedic).  

    Where will I go to school? 
    Based on the selected career pathway, 9th and 10th grade classes will be held at Peekskill High School, 11th and 12th grade classes will be held at both the PNW BOCES and Westchester Community College Campus Peekskill and Ossining Extension Centers. 

    Is transportation provided to the BOCES/WCCC?
    Yes, transportation will be provided from Peekskill HS to the BOCES and WCCC sites. 

    Can I participate in sports and clubs at my high school? 
    Yes, students can participate in after school activities. 

    Are the summer bridge and Saturday Academy mandatory?
    Yes, all P-Tech students are required to attend the Summer Bridge Program during the summer prior to grade 9 and a once a month Saturday Academy. 

    What are the career pathway options? 
    The career pathway options include: Cybersecurity, Computer Information Technology, Health Information Technology and Paramedic.

    What is the cost of the program? 
    There is NO COST to students or families for tuition, books or supplies.