Transit Tech: Shaping Futures Through Career and Technical Education

Transit Tech Career and Technical Education High School stands as a beacon of opportunity, offering specialized training in various high-demand fields alongside rigorous college preparation. This institution distinguishes itself through its commitment to providing students with practical, hands-on skills that prepare them for immediate employment or further education.

A Foundation in Transit and Technology

At the heart of Transit Tech's curriculum lies a focus on transit systems, electricity, and technology. The school offers three distinct pathways designed to prepare students for careers with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) or other transportation networks. Recognizing the growing importance of computer skills in today's world, Transit Tech also provides four computer-related programs: information technology (IT), networking, engineering, and law enforcement.

Hands-On Learning from Day One

Transit Tech emphasizes hands-on learning from the very beginning. Starting in their freshman year, students gain practical experience in labs, such as computer labs and electrical shops. This early exposure to real-world applications helps students solidify their understanding of theoretical concepts and develop valuable skills.

The curriculum begins with a computer-assisted drafting class and an introduction to careers, providing students with a solid foundation in technology and career exploration. Following this introductory phase, students can choose a Career and Technical Education (CTE) major for a focused three-year program.

Career and Technical Education (CTE): Skills for the Future

CTE is a cornerstone of Transit Tech's educational philosophy. These programs provide students with practical, hands-on skills that are directly applicable to future careers. By focusing on in-demand industries, CTE programs ensure that graduates are well-prepared to enter the workforce or pursue further education in their chosen field.

Real-World Experience Through Internships

To further enhance their learning, students at Transit Tech have the opportunity to participate in internships at a variety of organizations, including the New York City Transit Authority, Long Island Railroad, Amtrak, Scholars At Work, and Workforce1. These internships provide invaluable real-world experience, allowing students to apply their skills in a professional setting and gain insights into their chosen career paths.

Academic Rigor and College Preparation

While Transit Tech places a strong emphasis on technical skills, it also recognizes the importance of academic preparation. The school offers a number of Advanced Placement (AP) classes, allowing students to earn college credit while still in high school.

Extracurricular Activities and a Well-Rounded Education

Although the focus on technical classes may somewhat limit arts and other offerings, Transit Tech strives to provide a well-rounded education for its students. All ninth-graders take an introductory music class, and students can participate in after-school clubs such as music and film, chorus and drama, cheerleading and Step, and robotics.

A School on the Rise

Transit Tech has shown significant improvement in recent years, particularly in areas such as attendance, safety, and the percentage of students ready for college-level work. Enrollment remains steady, indicating the school's continued appeal to students and families.

A Welcoming and Supportive Environment

Transit Tech is committed to providing a safe, supportive, and enriching environment where every student can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. The school's mission is to provide standards-based educational and technical programs within a nurturing environment, purposefully structured to equip students with the skills they need to pursue post-secondary opportunities for employment and lifelong learning.

Read also: Student Transit & Community Impact

Collaborative Partnerships: A Key to Success

Since its creation through a collaborative partnership between the Department of Education and NYC Transit, joint ventures have played a major role in the evolution of Transit Tech. The school's industry partners provide expertise in areas ranging from marketing to internship programs. Representatives from transit management and labor serve on the school's advisory council, as keynote speakers at graduation, and even as Principal for a Day. Transit Tech has also established collaborative relationships with other organizations, whose representatives also serve on the Advisory Council.

Pillars of Success

Transit Tech is built on several key pillars: career and technical education, middle school articulation, attendance outreach, standards-based instruction supplemented by Academic Instruction Services, guidance and support services, security and safety, professional development, and collaborative partnerships. At the core of these pillars are the career and technical programs that provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the 21st-century workforce.

A Variety of Programs to Choose From

Prospective students can apply for four different programs at Transit Tech. From their first day, students are given hands-on opportunities to work with computers. Regardless of their area of concentration, each incoming student receives a career/technology foundation in a required computer-assisted drafting class coupled with an introduction to occupations course. A three-year sequence in one of the CTE majors follows.

Computer Technology

In computer technology, students develop knowledge of computer circuitry, micro technology and networking, computer circuitry, computer hardware and assembly, and analog and digital electronics. Advanced electronics options, including computer hardware and software, are also taught.

Computer/Industrial Electrician

The computer/industrial electrician major focuses on the science of troubleshooting. The program prepares students to install, repair, and maintain industrial, commercial, and residential electrical systems. Motor control, AC/DC circuitry, and programmable logic controls are also taught. This program was the first to receive state accreditation in June 2002, as part of the new SED certification process for CTE programs.

Read also: Navigating State College

Transportation Technology

Transportation technology students receive an education encompassing electrical and mechanical systems related to transportation and industrial and commercial wiring systems. The Transit Technician Program received state certification in the fall of 2012.

Computer-Assisted Engineering

Computer-assisted engineering is a developing program of classes with special emphasis on math and science.

Premier CTE High School

The Transit Tech Career and Technical Education High School is a premier CTE institution offering specialized training in electrical, automotive, and computer fields, alongside college preparation. Its extensive course offerings include seven distinct CTE programs, such as Transit Industrial Electrician, Computer Networking, and Transit Technician Technology, which provides hands-on training.

Diploma Endorsements and Advanced Placement Courses

Transit Tech offers diploma endorsements and a variety of Advanced Placement courses, including Algebra II (Advanced Math), AP African American Studies, AP Biology, AP Calculus AB, AP Computer Science A, AP Computer Science Principles, AP English Language and Composition, AP English Literature and Composition, AP Environmental Science, and AP Pre-Calculus.

Programs and Offers

Transit Tech offers a variety of programs and opportunities for students, including:

Computer Forensic Science and Technology: Prepares students for careers in computer forensics and law enforcement. The course focuses on concepts of computers and transitions into security awareness, hacking, and mobile device and advanced computer forensics. Certificates/Industry exams-IC3, IT Fundamentals, and Cyber-Security. 10th Grade seats available.
Transit Industrial Electronics: Prepares students for careers in the electronics field. Students will develop knowledge of computer circuitry, micro-technology, analog and digital electronics, basic electronics, and circuit boards. Students learn about electricity basics, voltage, and current. Students are eligible for direct employment with MTA agencies including NYC Transit. Certificates/Industry Exams: Electronics Technician Association (ETA). 10th Grade seats available.
Transit Industrial Electrician: Prepares students for competitive, high-paying careers in residential and commercial electrical wiring systems that can be obtained right after high school. Students are provided with the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge to install and repair these systems. Students obtain the following valuable certificates: OSHA 10hr and SkillsUSA Construction Wiring. Students achieve employment with the NYC Transit Authority and unionized fields of employment within the electrical industry. 10th Grade seats available.
Transit Technician Technology: Prepares students for careers in electrical and automotive systems related to transportation, as well as industrial and commercial wiring systems. Students are trained in a state-of-the-art lab, utilizing tools and equipment aligned with the MTA's training facilities. Students work with authentic subway cars and NYC buses. Students graduate qualified for direct employment with the NYC Transit Authority. Students obtain valuable certificates, including OSHA 10hr and SkillsUSA Construction Wiring. 10th Grade seats available.
Computer Networking: Prepares students for careers in computer information systems. Students will learn computer and digital literacy which includes skills such as hardware, software, Microsoft Office, internet connectivity, and network setup. Students are also exposed to principles of cyber-security. At the completion of the program, students obtain multiple industry-recognized certifications, including A+ Computer Repair and Cisco CCNA through the world-renowned Cisco Networking Academy. 10th Grade seats available.
Computer Engineering: Prepares students for careers in computer engineering. Students are trained on the basic concepts and functions of computers from an engineering perspective. Students acquire knowledge of motherboards, hard drives, RAM, CPU, GPU, computer peripherals, and various operating systems. Additionally, students are trained in security, preventative maintenance. Certificates/Industry exams: IC3, IT Fundamentals, and A+ Computer Repair. 10th Grade seats available.
Information Technology: Prepares students for careers in computer information systems. Students will learn digital literacy, which includes basic computer skills such as hardware and software, Microsoft Office, internet connectivity, and network setup and obtain an entry level IT help-desk position at the completion of the course. At the completion of the program students are offered multiple industry-recognized certifications. Certificates/Industry Exams: IC3, IT Fundamentals, and A+ Computer Repair. 10th Grade seats available.

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