About Us
MECA is an innovative 3-in-1 public high school in New York that offers an immersive curriculum, career training, internship opportunities, and college courses as early as 10th grade.
To equip students with essential real-world skills and knowledge necessary for their future success.
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Our Mission
To bridge the gap between academics and the professional world through an innovative educational and career training approach.
We equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in high school, college and beyond.
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Our Promise
To ignite a passion for learning in a supportive and inclusive environment.
Through early college courses, industry connections, and practical experiences, we open pathways to successful careers in marketing and media.
We empower students of all backgrounds to explore their creativity, develop essential skills, and express their ideas.
Our Story
New York City’s Grades 9-14 Early College and Career Schools (also known as P-TECH Schools) are public schools under the NYC Department of Education that offer an innovative six-year high school program to prepare students for college and careers competitive in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) industries.
Each one of the Grades 9-14 schools is affiliated with a CUNY community college and offers students the opportunity to take courses toward an Associate degree, at no cost to the student. Each Grades 9–14 school also works with lead industry partners to support students in exploring careers and attaining skills needed to work in STEM industries. Grades 9-14 high schools are open to all New York City students.
NYC's Career and Technical Education (CTE) program offers an Advertising and Media program that equips students with in-demand skills for success in marketing careers. This rigorous, project-based curriculum blends art, design, technology, and creative problem-solving, preparing students for the industry.
Upon receiving certification for this flagship school, the 4As partnered with The City University of New York in 2014 to launch the first P-Tech high school of its kind. The Manhattan Early College School for Advertising (MECA) is a six-year Career and Technical Education High School that not only gives students access to explore careers in Advertising, Media and Creative Technology, but also offers students a free Associates Degree upon completion of the program.
In addition to building advertising knowledge, the curriculum includes soft skills such as presenting and storytelling. By their junior year, students have achieved certifications in Microsoft Office as well as Adobe Creative.
Celebrating 10 Year Anniversary
The Manhattan Early College School for Advertising (MECA)
opened in September 2014 and is located in lower Manhattan by City Hall.
Our Core Values
Where Every Door Leads to Success
We make a personal commitment to putting forth our best efforts at all times, especially in the face of complexity, challenge, and change
MOTIVATION
We strive to cultivate our ability to embrace the views, beliefs, and needs of others. We commit to respect and learn from our experiences.
EMPATHY
We embrace the creative process and commit to taking risks in personal and academic expression
CREATIVITY
We take ownership for our words, actions, and choices. We act as members of a community and commit to looking out for the safety and well-being of ourselves, our peers and our larger community