Clark State College has quick and affordable programs

When it comes to partnering to create and maintain a vibrant and educated workforce, few community colleges can match the prowess of Clark State College.

With a mission to engage and empower diverse learners by providing high-quality educational programs and services, Clark State College serves approximately 5,900 students across five locations, including its main campus in Springfield, a second location in downtown Springfield, Beavercreek, Xenia and Bellefontaine.

Community colleges like Clark State play a critical role in workforce development, providing training and coursework that can lead to myriad workforce credentials from certificates to bachelor’s degrees.

“What sets Clark State apart from other community colleges is our family culture, holistic support and innovative leadership,” says Crystal Jones, vice president for Marketing, Diversity and Community Impact. “We pride ourselves in fostering a culture that cares for each student and employee to include promoting personal and professional success.

“Leadership at all levels allows innovative partnerships like the Fresh Abilities training program, which serves students, the community and employees,” adds Jones.

When it comes to health care, Clark State has one of the finest and most comprehensive nursing programs in the region, offering diagnostic medical sonography, medical assisting and physical therapy among other disciplines. For students wishing to focus on addiction and recovery services, Clark State offers certificates and associate degrees. A bachelor’s degree in Addiction and Integrated Treatment studies is pending approval.

But Clark State’s role in developing the workforce of the future is perhaps most impactful when it comes to training candidates for advanced manufacturing positions. It’s certainly no secret that Ohio is returning to its manufacturing roots. However, with the advent of new technology and processes, manufacturing has changed.

Clark State College offers credentials from three weeks to bachelor’s degrees in Manufacturing Technology Management. Students also can stack earned credentials to earn a one-year certificate and then a two-year associate degree. The two-year degree can then be applied to the bachelor’s degree. This allows for quick and affordable training path for up to 15 different credentials.

Clark State is also active when it comes to reaching out to meet the workforce needs of local companies, extending its reach into high schools to partner on scholarship programs. This year, Clark State formed a partnership with Ultra-met, an Urbana-based supplier of Tungsten Carbide products, to offer scholarships for high school graduates.

This innovative work/study program offers students the chance to achieve advanced manufacturing technician credentials while working. Students attend Clark State to pursue a Manufacturing certificate while gaining valuable on-the-job training in advanced manufacturing processes. Successful applicants to the program (which closed on June 24) have no out-of-pocket expenses for attending classes at Clark State, while also receiving a weekly paycheck while working at Utlra-met.

“This program is aimed directly at high school graduates who want to get a free college education while making money,” says Jeff Huddleston, vice president of human resources at Ultra-met. “This is a great alternative for students who do not wish to bear the high costs of attending college. Students initially work and attend Clark State for a manufacturing certificate. Upon successful completion of the certificate, students can pursue an associate or bachelor’s degree in related fields such as Computer Aided Design, Robotics, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Technology, and Mechanical Engineering Technology.”

The Ultra-met program is just one of the many programs and career pathways offered at Clark State College.

“We align our coursework to industry recognized credentials and customize training to meet the needs of employers,” says Jones. “We also work with students to assess prior learning experience to articulate for credits towards a credential.”