The SOAR (Students Occupationally and Academically Ready) Program of Study (POS) is designed to prepare students for a diverse, high-performing workforce. It is a career and technical program of study plan that articulates the secondary (high school) courses to a postsecondary (college) program.
Why Enroll in a SOAR Program?
- Challenging coursework for academically qualified students.
- Prepares students for High Priority Occupations (HPO) which includes career categories that are in high demand, have higher skill needs, and are most likely to provide family-sustaining wages.
- Satisfies high school requirements while earning college credits at the same time.
- Saves money on college tuition by earning up to 15 college credits FREE at Lackawanna College! This is valued at up to $7,875!
How Are Free Credits Earned?
- Complete the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) approved SOAR Program of Study in high school or Career and Technology Center and achieve proficiency on all tasks required.
- Earn a 2.75 (on a 4.0 scale) Grade Point Average (GPA) in the technical courses.
- Achieve competent or advanced on the exam at the end of the technical program.
- Earn a high school diploma.
- Within 16 months of high school graduation, apply with appropriate paperwork from your guidance counselor and be accepted as a student at a college that offers SOAR POS credits in the student’s program.
What SOAR Programs of Study does Lackawanna College offer?
Click on a specific program name for a description.
Each program is accompanied by a list of possible degree options at Lackawanna College.
Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping – (52.0302)
Accounting, A.A.S.
Business Administration, A.S.
Business Studies, A.S.
Sport Management, A.S.
Administrative Assistant & Secretarial Science, General (52.0401)
Accounting, A.A.S.
Business Administration, A.S.
Business Studies, A.S.
Sport Management, A.S.
Agricultural Mechanization (01.0201)
Agribusiness, A.S.
Baking & Pastry Arts (12.0501)
Baking & Pastry Arts, A.S.
Medical/Clinical Assistant (51.0801)
Cardiac Sonography, A.S.
Diagnostic Medical Sonography, A.S.
Nursing, A.S.
Occupational Therapy Assistant, A.S.
Physical Therapist Assistant, A.S.
Surgical Technology, A.S.
Vascular Technology, A.S.
Criminal Justice/Police Science (43.0107)
Criminal Justice, A.S.
Health/Medical Assisting Services (51.0899)
Cardiac Sonography, A.S.
Diagnostic Medical Sonography, A.S.
Physical Therapist Assistant, A.S.
Surgical Technology, A.S.
Vascular Technology, A.S.
Health Professions & Related Clinical Sciences, Other (51.9999)
Cardiac Sonography, A.S.
Diagnostic Medical Sonography, A.S.
Nursing, A.S.
Occupational Therapy Assistant, A.S.
Physical Therapist Assistant, A.S.
Surgical Technology, A.S.
Vascular Technology, A.S.
Institutional Food Worker (12.0508)
Baking and Pastry Arts, A.S.
Culinary Arts, A.S.
Hospitality Management, A.S.
Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services, Other (43.9999)
Criminal Justice, A.S.
See how SOAR Programs are Accepted at Lackawanna College
Explanation of Informational Links
- Perkins Statewide Articulation Agreement – A document that explains the details of the agreement between participating high schools and colleges and the PA Department of Education.
- Secondary Competency Task List – A document listing all tasks that a student must achieve proficiently to obtain college credit for the specified SOAR POS.
- Secondary School Partners – A list by calendar year of high schools that have approved/deleted the SOAR POS.
More Information
For official information on the Pennsylvania Department of Education SOAR program, please click here.
To learn more, fill out an inquiry form here.