This page covers topics related to admissions and enrollment. For more specific information on policies and procedures related to admissions and enrollment, please see Section 3 of the Student Handbook, which may be downloaded from the Adult Post-Secondary Education home page.
Admission Requirements:
Penta Career Center adheres to an “open admission” policy. Penta Career Center does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sex, disability, or disadvantaged status, and follows affirmative action policies.
To enroll in one of Penta Career Center’s full-time career and technical training programs, the applicant must have a high school diploma or equivalent and a valid picture ID. The applicant must also meet testing benchmarks on the ACT WorkKeys Assessment. Some programs may have additional requirements due to external certifications.
If the applicant does not have a high school diploma or GED test certificate they are encouraged to enroll in one of Penta Career Center’s Aspire/GED classes. Once the applicant has attained the GED test certification, they are encouraged to re-apply in full-time program.
Academic Qualifications:
To receive FSA funds, the student must be qualified to stay at the postsecondary level. The student qualifies if he or she meets the following requirements:
- Has a valid high school diploma
- Has the recognized equivalent of a high school diploma, such as a GED certificate
- Has completed a valid home schooling program at the secondary level
- Is otherwise eligible as mandated by the State of Ohio
If the US DOE or Penta Career Center questions the validity of the high school credentials, the institution will first check the “Unacceptable Proof of Graduation” list. If the applicant’s high school is on that list it will be judged as unacceptable. If the applicant’s high school is not on that list, but the institution still questions the validity of the high school credential, a transcript will be requested from the high school showing classes completed and passed. If the applicant’s credentials are still in question, the Ohio DOE will be contacted to ascertain if the high school is approved by the state.
Foreign Academic Qualifications:
All students must have completed secondary education (high school or equivalent) to be eligible for Federal financial aid (Pell Grant/Student Loans). If the student’s diploma is from a foreign country they must follow the special procedures outlined below:
- Have the diploma translated into English
- Once the diploma has been translated into English, it must be reviewed by a credential evaluator to determine if it is equivalent to a US Diploma
See the NACES website (https://www.naces.org/) for a list of evaluators who belong to The National Association of Credential Evaluation Services. This list is for comparison only. Penta Career Center does not recommend one agency above another. Evaluators do charge for this service and it can take several weeks, so be sure to follow these procedures early in the enrollment process.
Fees & Tuition:
Refer to the Penta Career Center Adult Post-Secondary Course brochure for specific fees and tuition costs as each course varies. The Course brochure is available in print and online at the Penta Career Center Adult Post-Secondary Education website: http://www.pentacareercenter.org/Programs.aspx
Class Schedules & Calendars:
See the current Penta Career Center Adult Post-Secondary Course Brochure for the School Calendar and specific program start dates and class times. Students will also be given a complete program calendar at their enrollment.
Registration:
Registration may be completed in person with payment by cash, check, money order, Master Card, or VISA only. Cash will be accepted between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday or between 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. on Friday in the Adult Post-Secondary Education Office. Hours vary during the summer and holiday breaks. Please call 419-661-6555 for all hours of operation inquiries.
Students registering for full-time programs are required to have an appointment with the Financial Aid Advisor prior to enrollment.
Program Cancellations:
Penta Career Center reserves the right to cancel or delay the opening of any program that has less than sufficient enrollees. All fees will be returned in full if program cancellation is required.
Refund Policy:
Student refunds, when due, will be made without requiring a request from the student. Refunds, when due, shall be made within 45 days of the last day of attendance if written notification of withdrawal has been provided to Penta Career Center by the student, or within 45 days from the date Penta dismisses the student or determines the student has withdrawn without providing written notification.
In the event a student does not commence class, withdraws, is dismissed, or drops out of his or her program of training, tuition costs and related educational fees and expenses are subject to refund pursuant to the following guidelines
Full-Time Program Refunds:
- Withdrawal before start of semester = 100% REFUND
- Withdrawal after FIRST WEEK of semester = NO REFUND
No refund will be issued for overpayments of $5.00 or less. Students who withdraw or are dismissed from a full-time program must return all books, supplies, and toolkits in working condition. Students who fail to return these items in working condition will be charged for all applicable items.
Part-Time Program Refunds:
- Withdrawal at least ONE WEEK prior to start of program = 100% REFUND
- Withdrawal less than ONE WEEK prior to start of program = NO REFUND
Program Cancellation Refunds:
If tuition and fees are collected in advance of the start date of a program that is canceled by Penta Career Center, 100% of the tuition and fees collected will be refunded. The refund shall be made within 45 days of the programs planned start date.
WorkKeys Assessment / Pre-Entrance Exam:
Penta Career Center requires students to complete the WorkKeys entrance exam for all full-time programs and select other programs. WorkKeys requirements are listed in program descriptions.
WorkKeys Career Readiness Certificate:
Communities nationwide are using WorkKeys to demonstrate to employers that applicants have the skills for today’s jobs. You will receive a National Career Readiness Certificate if you earn a Platinum, Gold, Silver or Bronze level. A career readiness certificate can be used across the country.
| Platinum | 6 and above |
| Gold | 5 and above |
| Silver | 4 and above |
| Bronze | 3 and above |