POTSDAM -- The North Country NYS P-TECH, which includes Clarkson University, is one winner of a statewide competition for public-private partnerships.

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo recently announced the 16 winner partnerships. The winners will prepare more than 6,000 high school students for high-skill jobs in technology, manufacturing, and healthcare.

Students will earn a free associate’s degree and will be selected first for jobs with participating companies upon graduation.

Clarkson University and Clinton Community College have partnered to provide for the professional development needs of the ADK P-TECH faculty and the workforce prep needs of students.

Clarkson personnel will help develop project-based teaching units and help students learn interpersonal skills.

Clarkson faculty and career counseling staff will mentor P-Tech faculty to support high tech curricula and workforce skills. They will also provide seminars for P-Tech students to develop workforce awareness, and "soft" skills for employment.

Summer research opportunities will be available to P-Tech teachers.

In addition, Clarkson graduate students will lead students through a capstone design project to develop teamwork, problem solving, and communication skills.

The governor’s full release is available at www.governor.ny.gov/press/08282013Students-for-High-Skill-Jobs .