BRCOT Students Earn College Credits and Credentials During High School

Biddeford — While many students and schools are struggling to complete curricula during the global COVID pandemic, students in the Biddeford Regional Center of Technology (BRCOT) Business Academy are earning dual enrollments that will allow some to enter college as a sophomore.

The Bidder Regional Center of Technology is one of 27 Career and Technical High Schools in the state of Maine. Of the 17 programs in the school, all have articulation agreements that allow eligible program completers to earn industry recognized certifications or dual enrollment college credits. 

This year, BRCOT formalized an additional dual-enrollment program with two programs at York County Community College: Computer Science and Small Business Management. These programs offer an additional pathway for BRCOT students to enter college or career with industry recognized certifications that put them ahead of most traditional high school graduates.

“We are very excited to add these credential- bearing opportunities to our business programs” said Paulette Bonneau, Director of the Biddeford Regional Center of Technology. “We pride ourselves on developing tomorrow’s workforce and students who take advantage of these opportunities will be prepared to enter the workforce and accelerate their earning potential.”

The new partnership with YCCC includes two pathways:

• Help Desk & User Support Certificate offering 12 credits from the Computer Technology class taught by Mr. Laney which includes Introduction to Computer Technology, Networking Fundamentals, Desktop and Mobile Computing Support and Computer Hardware. Upon completion, students will have six credits and have earned CompTIA ITF, A+, and Network+ certifications. 

• Small Business Management Certificate offering 18 credits which include Introduction to Business, Accounting 2, Software Applications + six program electives chosen from Foundations of Project Management, Principles of Marketing, Business Law, Principles of Finance or Animal Business Concepts.

“I would encourage any individual with an interest in entrepreneurship or technology to take the program at COT,” said Garrett Dupee, a senior from Old Orchard Beach enrolled in Mr. Maiorino’s Small Business Management program. “I have completed the Small Business Management Certification and will enter Thomas College as a sophomore next fall.”

For more information on the many offerings at Biddeford Regional Center of Technology, view their most recent video here: https://youtu.be/yue-IekBhbc.