P-TECH Profile: Matt Olson

When Matt Olson started hearing about opportunities in the P-TECH program, he was an 8th grade student at Pulaski Junior-Senior High School. "My parents encouraged me to do it. They told me it was a good idea."

Olson took their advice and one year after graduating from Pulaski, he will earn his Electrical Technology degree at Onondaga Community College thanks to the P-TECH program. P-TECH stands for Pathways in Technology Early College High School. It's a program that provides high school students the opportunity to work toward their high school diploma and associate degree simultaneously, and ultimately a pathway to an in-demand job.

Olson had the option to choose either the Mechanical Technology or Electrical Technology degree program. "I chose electrical because it's such a huge part of our everyday lives, from our phones to turning on a light switch. It's pretty cool being able to see it all."

Olson began taking P-TECH classes in high school during his sophomore year. As a high school junior and senior, he came to the OCC campus four days a week. After receiving his high school diploma last June, he became a full-time intern at Davis-Standard, a manufacturer in Fulton. During the academic year he's been working there every Friday. "It's been nice. It feels good being there and working with my degree."

The professors who teach Electrical Technology at OCC have played a significant role in Olson's success. "I like Woody (Everett), Betsy (Nicholas), and Tab (Cox).  They know what you need. They've been in the industry for a long time so they know what's around here with job opportunities and internships."

Olson will receive his degree this May, then return to Davis-Standard. He plans to eventually get bachelor's and master's degrees, but isn't sure yet what his focus will be. He also knows his future job prospects are strong. Between current employers and the expected arrival of Micron later this decade there will be plenty of  possibilities. "I think all of the students doing what I'm doing through P-TECH see the opportunities. It's one thing just knowing you can get a job at these places. But hearing about it on the news and seeing the President come to town gets you excited."

He also has a message for students who now sit where he once did in 8th grade, hearing about P-TECH for the first time. "I've been in your shoes. I didn't understand how big this opportunity was. But my friends saw me graduating high school last year, college this year, and starting in a job making $60 or $70 thousand dollars a year. And I haven't had to pay for anything. P-TECH is definitely worth it."