Each Wednesday we are sharing the stories of outstanding students who began their college education while in high school. Today we introduce you to Jared Gardenier.
The P-TECH program gave Jared Gardenier the chance to begin working on his Mechanical Technology degree at a young age. "I love what we do. I love that we get this opportunity. I love being here. I enjoy coming here every day. The teachers are amazing. I like that the classes are smaller and you have the time if you don't understand things to work through them."
P-TECH stands for Pathways in Technology Early College High School. The program provides high school students a tuition-free way to earn their high school diploma and associate degree simultaneously, and ultimately a pathway to an in-demand job.
Gardenier is an 11th-grade high school student from Oswego who is also in his second semester as a full-time Onondaga Community College student. This semester, he began working at OCC's Learning Center, tutoring fellow students in Mechanical Technology. "I enjoy helping others succeed and seeing them happy when they do well. That's what pushed me to try so hard in education. When I see a high grade, it makes me feel happy about myself. It's nice to help others be happy."
Next year, Gardenier will receive his high school diploma and his college degree. He plans to transfer to a four-year school and pursue an Engineering degree. He's a big fan of the P-TECH program and what it is helping him accomplish. "You are given a lot of work. If you keep up with it, you'll be fine. If you give the effort, you'll get back what you give."
