Six Nations Polytechnic STEAM Academy Partners with IBM Canada and Mohawk College to Launch the P-TECH School Model

Six Nations Polytechnic (SNP), along with IBM (NYSE: IBM) and Mohawk College, today announced they are partnering to deliver the P-TECH School Model (Pathways in Technology, Early College High School) through SNP’s STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) Academy in Brantford, Ontario.

The P-TECH model at SNP STEAM Academy will enable students to graduate with a high school diploma, a tuition-free, industry aligned, two-year college diploma, and workplace experiences within six years or less. Hallmarks of the program include industry one-on-one mentoring, workplace visits, paid summer internships, and a guaranteed job interview at IBM upon completion. In addition to technical proficiency, the program fosters professional skills, including critical thinking, problem solving, communication, adaptability, and intellectual curiosity that are required for well-paying new-collar jobs in Ontario’s growing technology sector.

In speaking of this partnership Rebecca Jamieson, President & CEO of Six Nations Polytechnic said, “The alliance with IBM and Mohawk College strengthens proven pathways for student success and continued contributions to our collective mutual benefit. We all share this land and this alliance models the cooperation that is critical to our future sustainability.”

“As technologies redefine job roles and industries, the types of skills required today and in the future are changing,” said Ayman Antoun, President, IBM Canada. “P-TECH is all about preparing the next generation of workers, linking education and workforce development, to position our youth for success. This partnership between IBM, SNP STEAM Academy and Mohawk College is a great example of working together to build a competitive workforce for the jobs of tomorrow.”

This program builds on an already successful relationship between IBM Canada and Mohawk College where students are given the opportunity to gain emerging skillsets in technologies that are in high demand.

Mohawk College and SNP have a longstanding partnership that will be enhanced through the development and delivery of a blended learning opportunity. This program will provide students with courses at both the secondary and the college level to create a seamless dual credential experience. The culmination of this program will allow students to earn both their Ontario Secondary School Diploma as well as a two-year Software Engineering Technician Diploma. Combined with workplace experiences, students will have the skills required for ongoing college, new collar jobs, or both.

“Congratulations to Six Nations Polytechnic and IBM for their leadership in providing Brantford-area students with access to one of the most innovative educational programs in North America,” said Mohawk College President Ron McKerlie. “Mohawk College is proud to work together in this partnership to help SNP students travel the pathway through the P-TECH curriculum to a college credential and the opportunity for promising jobs.”