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State board, technical centers urge continued funding for career colleges, OTC Plus expansion
Summary
The State Board of Career Colleges and Schools and the Ohio Association for Career and Technical Education told the Senate committee that private career schools and Ohio Technical Centers enroll tens of thousands, deliver short-term credentials and need sustained funding and coordination with workforce programs.
John Ware, Executive Director of the State Board of Career Colleges and Schools, told the committee the board oversees roughly 243 private career schools enrolling more than 55,000 students and approving over 900 programs, and requested modest budget increases to cover personnel costs and operational needs. "The board is responsible for monitoring and regulating 243 private career schools in the state of Ohio," Ware said, describing site visits, program approvals and a tuition recovery fund for students of closed schools.
Ware said career college students skew older (nearly 60% 25 and older), with 70% female and about 30% African American, and cited placement rates above 75% within 30 days of graduation for programs overseen by the board. He also confirmed the majority of schools the board regulates are private for-profit institutions and described existing disclosure and complaint process requirements in catalogs.
Dee Smith, Executive Director of the Ohio Association for Career and Technical Education, urged the panel to preserve investments in career awareness and the policy infrastructure supporting Ohio Technical Centers (OTCs). Smith said OTCs are "the most adaptable, employer-driven part of our higher education ecosystem" and highlighted adult diploma and TechCred programs as effective workforce pathways.
Duane Caudill of Upper Valley Career Center described OTC Plus, which provides overflow seats and flexible scheduling for high school and adult students. Caudill provided enrollment numbers: 30 students served in FY24 across HVAC, welding, robotics and STNA/CNA pathways, and 53 students so far in FY25 with specific breakdowns and satellite classes. He emphasized OTCs' role in short-term credentials, customized employer training and registered apprenticeship pathways.
Senators asked how OTCs coordinate with joint vocational districts, career technical education programs and workforce entities such as Jobs/OhioMeansJobs and TechCred; witnesses said they work closely to reduce duplication and respond to local employer needs.
No committee action was taken on these agency or stakeholder requests during the hearing.
