G.I. Jobs Magazine, a publication offering education and job transition assistance to military veterans, surveyed over 8,000 schools for the Military Friendly School honor. Of those 8,000 schools, only around 1,000 were chosen as most Military Friendly. Ohio Technical College was among the elite, ranking in the top 20 percent of all colleges, universities and trade schools nationwide.
Ohio Technical College has 155 military veterans currently enrolled at its college. One of these veterans, Eric Ross, was in the military for 10 years before seeking out OTC.
“I flew to Cleveland from Fort Bliss, Texas to visit the campus. As soon as I walked in the front door I was greeted, ‘Hello Mr. Ross, we have heard great things about you!’ This made me feel like a superstar for a minute. I was shocked that the school staff already knew who I was and was excited to meet me,” said Ross, student, Ohio Technical College.
In order for Ohio Technical College to be considered “military friendly” they had to meet the following criteria: accept the G.I. Bill, Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) membership, academic credit for College-Level Exam Program (CLEP) and American Council on Education (ACE), as well as flexible learning programs. The school was measured on its financial efforts to recruit and retain military and veteran students by using such programs as the Yellow Ribbon membership, tuition benefits and percent of overall recruitment budget allocated to recruiting military students. The number of enrolled military at the school also played a part in the G.I. Jobs Magazine decision making process.
“OTC is my college of choice, not only because it’s military friendly, but because of the variety of automotive programs offered. A lot of the OTC student requirements also remind me of rules I had in the military, fitting nicely into my comfort zone,” said Ross.
Recently graduating from the 18-month automotive program, Ross is currently enrolled in OTC’s Associate’s degree program in Collision Repair. After he graduates with an Associate’s degree, he hopes to open his own garage with the help of a military small business loan.
Over the past several years, Ohio Technical College has received 2008 and 2009 Weatherhead Awards; the 2010 NEO Success Award; and been named to the 2009 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. The school was also titled the 2009 School of the Year Award in an annual competition by Babcox Publications’ Tomorrow’s Technician magazine and Chicago Pneumatic.
“Ohio Technical College is honored to be recognized as a Military Friendly School,” said Jordan Brenner, director of enrollment, OTC. “This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the school. The high level of training offered at the college provides veterans with the skills needed to transition from the military into new careers in the automotive industry.”For more information, call 800.322.7000 ext. 163; or visit www.ohiotech.edu and www.psi- now.com.
