For the first-time ever, OCSEA and Eastern Gateway Community College are bringing members and their families an IT degree at a very low cost. While not free, students will pay just $780 (or $130 per course) for an information technology degree worth $12,000. The fees will cover the simulation and testing and is not covered by the Union Education Trust vouchers. Like the other Eastern Gateway degree programs, this one is open to all OCSEA members, their children, grandchildren and spouses.
Besides receiving cutting edge IT certifications and completing an Information Technology Associate of Technical Studies, students will also take courses developed in partnership with Google. By completing these, they’ll receive a Google IT Professional Support Certificate, a credential recognized by companies around the globe.
“We are very excited about this new degree program and the cutting-edge skills it will provide,” said OCSEA President Chris Mabe. “We want to make sure that the union is offering value to its members and families, and preparing them for the work of the future.”
Just like with the other Eastern Gateway programs, the process starts with interested parties filling out a FASFA form. OCSEA members eligible for the Union Education Trust will use those funds to pay for the balance of the degree, as well as pay $780 out-of-pocket.
For detailed information about the degree and to start the sign-up process, go to OCSEAEducation.org and click on “New Discounted IT Degree.”
Have questions? Call 800-969-4702 or 614-865-4700.
YSU degree program discontinued
As the new EGCC IT program takes off, unfortunately, OCSEA’s partnership with Youngstown State University is not going forward, at least for now. Members who are already enrolled in YSU, under the OCSEA Free College scholarship, can continue their studies until they complete their degree. Students must maintain current student status and be enrolled in a minimum of three (3) credits per term. Students who drop out of YSU for two consecutive semesters will no longer be eligible for the scholarship.
While YSU will no longer be part of OCSEA’s free educational offerings for state bargaining unit union members, OCSEA members can still use their Union Education Trust vouchers to attend YSU or any accredited college.