Increase the number of low- and middle-income Black American students underrepresented among area professionals who are admitted to and who graduate from OCtech’s Teacher Education, Engineering, Nursing, and Health Sciences pathways.

To accomplish this goal, OCtech and its Partners accomplish the following objectives:

1. RECRUITING
   Increase the diversity of students in Teacher Education, Engineering/Advanced Manufacturing, and Nursing/Health Sciences programs by expanding enrollments for high school students through the creation of specialized Career Academies within the OCtech Early College.
2. PRE-ENTRY PREPARATION
   Increase the number of low- and middle-income Black students prepared to compete for admission into OCtech’s professional Teacher Education, Engineering, Nursing, and Health Sciences pathways by providing college readiness and academic support services to Early College dual credit students and pre-entry adults.
3. RETENTION
   Increase the number of low- and middle-income Black American students who graduate from OCtech’s Teacher Education, Engineering, Nursing, and Health Sciences pathways by establishing online Professional Learning Communities (PLC’s) to provide academic, financial, and social supportive services.
4. TRANSITION SUPPORT
   Increase the number of low- and middle-income Black American students who enter the workforce or transition to a four-year college or university program by providing licensure and credentialing assistance to students, as well as clearly established and published transfer agreements.