What is the OTC Career Center?

The OTC Career Center is an excellent way for eligible high school students to get a jumpstart on their college education, engage in career exploration, prepare for a community college or four-year university and develop skills needed in today’s global economy and workforce. Specialized programs of study are available to high school juniors and seniors. Area top career and technical educators instruct students. Students use state-of-the-art equipment and experience hands-on skills learning.

Who can apply to the OTC Career Center?

Juniors and seniors from any of our sending high school districts can apply to the OTC Career Center.

How do I apply?

First, communicate your interest with your high school counselor. Then apply to the OTC Career Center using our easy 2-step application process.

Can I attend the OTC Career Center if I’m home schooled or attend a private school?

A number of homeschooled or private schooled students attend the OTC Career Center. Submit your online application to the OTC Career Center. Your sending school district will require you to complete additional enrollment steps. Your sending school district must give approval to attend the OTC Career Center. Call the OTC Career Center counselor for additional information about this process.

Where is the OTC Career Center office located?

The location of the OTC Career Center office is on the Springfield Campus in the east end of the Industry & Transportation Technology Center in ITC 222.

Where are OTC Career Center classes held?

• As an OTC Career Center student, you will be joining post-secondary students in regular college classrooms and labs throughout the Springfield Campus.  Agriculture is offered at the Richwood Valley Campus. Some programs have lab spaces at off-campus sites.

How much will it cost to attend the OTC Career Center?

If you qualify, your tuition is paid by your sending high school. Check with your sending school for their policy regarding tuition.

How much will my textbooks cost?

OTC Career Center provides your textbooks. As long as you return the books in good condition, you can use them for free!

Will I need to provide my own transportation to OTC?

Your sending high school will provide transportation to OTC from your sending high school. Each sending high school has their own transportation policy. Please communicate with your sending high school to determine their policy. Certain programs will require you to have your own transportation, such as seniors in the Fire Science and Health Science programs.

What will help me be accepted into the OTC Career Center program?

Our programs are competitive, so a good GPA and attendance record with a desire to succeed will help you stand out as a good candidate for the OTC Career Center program. Your counselor recommendations will also play an important role in your acceptance to the OTC Career Center.

What will help me succeed in the OTC Career Center program?

Regular attendance, strong work ethics, good study skills, and a positive attitude will help you go far in the OTC Career Center program. Check your OTC email regularly and seek out assistance if you need help. Don’t procrastinate with assignments and communicate frequently with your instructor. Treat yourself and others with dignity and respect, be honest, follow the rules, and you will succeed at the OTC Career Center!

What are the benefits of being an OTC Career Center Student?

Free college and jumpstarting your college career are two important benefits. The OTC Career Center allows you to experience career exploration so you can determine if the program you choose is right for your long-term career goals. Students also benefit from hands-on training and being in an adult learning environment verses the traditional high school classroom setting. Students who attend their junior and senior years and successfully pass their courses can earn an average of 40 credits in their technical program choice. Students may also earn a certificate, depending on their program choice. (See Technical Program Overview.)

If you decide you do not want to attend the OTC Career Center, please communicate with your high school counselor and your OTC Career Center program advisor right away. They can help you identify your options and guide you through the withdrawal process.

What can I expect to experience while attending the OTC Career Center?

The college considers OTC Career Center students college students. Many of our OTC Career Center students state they enjoy being in an atmosphere that doesn’t include the drama they may experience at their high school, and they enjoy being treated like an adult. Students also state they prefer the hands-on experience the OTC Career Center programs offer.

How can I access my OTC student records?

OTC students can easily access their student schedules, grades and other helpful student information through “My OTC” by clicking on the AccessOTC tab.

How is discipline administered?

OTC administers disciplinary action in a professional manner based on frequency and flagrancy of the student’s behavior.

What happens if I decide I don’t want to attend the OTC Career Center?

If you decide you do not want to attend the OTC Career Center, please communicate with your high school counselor and your OTC Career Center program advisor right away. They can help you identify your options and guide you through the withdrawal process.

Will I be excused from my OTC Career Center classes for special high school activities?

We try to accommodate students with high school activities as much as possible. There are no “excused” absences at OTC, so you will need to choose your absences wisely. It is up to you to communicate with your instructor about your absence and to make arrangements for any missed assignments

Can I leave the OTC campus during my regular OTC Career Center hours?

All OTC Career Center students must sign out at the OTC Career Center office and have parental/guardian permission before leaving campus prior to their scheduled departure time.

If a student needs to leave campus early, the student must communicate with his or her instructor before leaving class, and sign out at the Career Center office.  Parent/guardian consent is required before students under the age of 18 may leave campus.

Will I attend my high school if OTC is closed?

It is your responsibility to communicate with your high school about their attendance policy.

Will I attend OTC if my high school is closed?

Yes. If the OTC Campus is open to students, OTC expects Career Center students to attend, even during high school cancellations. The only exception is if your school closes for inclement weather.

Who can I contact for more information about the Career Center?

Refer to the OTC Career Center Team page for a list of OTC Career Center personnel who can assist you.