For eight Penn Wood High School seniors, graduation was a two-prong event.
While completing their high school curriculum, the students were dually enrolled in the Applied Engineering Technology “Fast Track” Program at Delaware County Community College. The project, sponsored in conjunction with Sunoco, Inc. with additional financial support from the Delaware Valley Industrial Resource Center (DVIRC), provided basic foundation instruction in process technology. Prior to receiving their diplomas, Moulangerie Brown, Tempest Byrd, Roger Chambers, Kadiatu Charm, Devon Glen, Kebeh Harris, Fatima Kaba and Calah Scott were awarded Delaware County Community College Certificates of Competency and job offers at the Marcus Hook refinery.
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Tony Girifalco, Executive Vice President of the DVIRC noted that they have been working with the College and many others for the past five years to create a regional Applied Engineering Technology (AET) curriculum using a 2+2+2 educational model that offers a connected educational pathway from high school (2 years) through an associate’s degree (2 years) to a baccalaureate degree (2 more years). The process technology curriculum is one of three disciplines under the AET “Fast Track” banner; machine tool automation and industrial systems technology are the others. “These young men and women represent the talent our business community needs to grow and they and their parents should be justifiably proud,” he said. “The success of the Fast Track model is a testament to the power of collaborating toward a common goal, and AET is one of the region’s best examples of a sustained, multi-partner effort in STEM—Science, Technology, Engineering and Math—education.”
“This is such a great opportunity, because I wasn’t looking to go to college right after high school, even though it would have been the expectation,” said Scott. “Now I definitely see myself coming back to college.” “Delaware County Community College’s primary focus is on student success and the ‘Fast Track’ model is just one example of mission accomplished,” said Walt Yakabosky, dean of the college’s Division of Technical Education. “Not only are we helping students realize and achieve their goals but we are proud to be partnering with Sunoco by assisting them to develop the talent they need that is currently in short supply,” said Yakabosky. The 20-credit, two-semester program, conducted on the main campus and Malin Road Center, was offered to students whose qualifications included a 2.5 GPA or higher, preference for “hands-on” learning, orientation toward technical education and motivation to seek immediate post-high school employment in the industry. More than 30 individuals applied for the openings. To be officially accepted, students were also required to score at the “college ready” level on the Delaware County Community College Placement Test in mathematics. Dr. Bernie Carrozza, Director of the Applied Engineering Technology program and the architect of the “Fast Track” model said, “this program aligns with the college’s, the region’s and the commonwealth’s initiatives centered around STEM.” The program, dubbed by Sunoco as the “Academy of Process Technology,” was the pilot pairing between the company and the college in the field, which involves monitoring and trouble-shooting equipment, sampling and analyzing materials and assessing environmental and safety regulations. The students were offered entry-level positions, including a two-week life-business skills class to orient them to the work world. The jobs begin Aug. 11. “This kind of success is only made possible,” Girifalco noted, “when corporate citizens like Sunoco get as deeply and passionately involved as they do. Our challenge now is to take this model to scale.” “We have been working with Delaware County Community College to find the next best thing for Sunoco, both to fill our business needs and become an even more successful company under the motto ‘Safety First at Every Turn,’” said educational services manager Annmarie McGetttigan. “The fact that you accomplished a high school diploma and certificate in process technology in the same calendar year is truly remarkable.”Her comments were echoed by Delaware County Community College President Dr. Jerry Parker, who noted the long-standing public/private partnership between Sunoco and the college. He added completing the courses provided the students with “a great head start” on their college careers. “This was a rigorous academic program and you are to be commended,” said Parker. “By beginning your college credits in high school, you are well on you way to an associate degree.”Completion of the program provides students with various options. They may continue studies part-time, advancing to the second-level certificate in process technology or pursuing the general studies or technical studies associate degree program. Individuals may also enroll as full-time students while seeking part-time employment. Those who select the technical studies associate degree may also elect to seek a Bachelor of Science Degree at Widener University.
“I expect to take the job with Sunoco and complete my degree later,” said Glen. “I like the idea of being able to go back to school on a part-time basis and have it be paid by Sunoco.”
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