The first graduate of the P-TECH program in Canada has just been announced.

Jarrod Wardell graduated from the Six Nations Polytechnic and Mohawk College P-TECH program and celebrated during their fall convocation ceremonies on Oct. 14.

The Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) program is a global initiative; in Canada, it is a partnership between Mohawk College, Six Nations Polytechnic and IBM Canada. The program was officially launched in Canada on Oct. 12, 2021 when IBM Canada partnered with the Eskasoni First Nation in Nova Scotia.

Students registered in the P-TECH program begin their college studies while still in high school, and those that earn enough credits go on to complete their college diploma the year after their high school graduation. 

"P-TECH is a public education reform model focused on college attainment and career readiness. P-TECH schools span grades 9-14 and enable students to earn both a high school diploma and a no-cost, two-year postsecondary degree in a STEM field," the P-TECH website states.

Wardell completed six college credits and a successful summer internship at IBM, while attending the SNP STEAM Academy secondary school in Brantford. 

In addition, Wardell also completed the Software Engineering Technician program requirements at Mohawk College during the height of the pandemic and he has now graduated as a Software Engineering Technician.

Listen to the report for CKRZ FM below: