DOVER — As part of the Pathways to Prosperity initiative, Delaware Technical Community College is partnering with local high schools to offer career pathways in manufacturing, culinary arts and hospitality management, computer science and engineering. The college is also creating new pathways in allied health, education and business. Recently, Gov. Jack Markell announced that 15 high schools received Pathways to Prosperity grants. The program creates partnerships with the Department of Education, employers, colleges and universities, and school districts to prepare students for careers in high-demand fields. “Delaware Tech is proud to be a partner in the governor’s Pathways to Prosperity initiative,” said Dr. Mark Brainard, the president of Delaware Tech. “The work that we have accomplished this year in strengthening career and technical pathways is a game changer for Delaware high school students. “These pathways provide students the opportunity to finish high school with real-world experience, college credits and industry credentials that provide a jump start to their future career in high-demand fields.” These career and technical education pathways not only allow students to earn industry credentials in high school, but also accelerate students’ progress toward earning a college degree. Students can complete them in conjunction with dual enrollment in college courses, such as math and English, so that they can save time and money toward a college degree. The newest pathways also continue the work of the college and Department of Education to develop the High School Manufacturing Program. The two-year manufacturing program was piloted in fall 2014 and provides high school students with 630 hours of instruction at Delaware Tech during their junior and senior years. In partnership with the Delaware Manufacturing Association and local employers, the students also participate in a 200-hour summer work experience in manufacturing.