Registration still open at EGCC

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

New and expanding fields of study at Eastern Gateway Community College offer students the opportunity to train for careers with room to grow, said Jerry Klinesmith, dean of business, engineering and information technologies.

The fall semester begins Monday, but there’s still time to register.

Admissions personnel are available during regular business hours on weekdays at the Valley Center in Youngstown and the Warren Center.

Special “fast-track” registration also is available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today and Aug. 29 at the Valley Center, 101 E. Federal St., Youngstown.

“We’re constantly looking at the Ohio and Mahoning Valley job markets, assessing the needs of business and industry in our region so we can be sure we graduate a work force that has the training and skill sets employers look for,” Klinesmith said. “Our goal is to build a stronger economy and a stronger community.”

Technology-related fields are strong, he said.

“This fall, we’re offering a lineman program in Jefferson County as well as the Valley Center,” he said. “It’s hands-on learning, which a lot of people enjoy, and there are so many career opportunities associated with it – graduates can work with electrical utilities, telephone companies or cable providers. When they’re done with the program, our graduates know how to climb poles up to 60 feet high, run high tension wires and set transformers on utility poles, and they know what they have to do to stay safe on the job.”

Welders also are in demand in the region.

The oil and gas industry continues to fuel the regional job market, Klinesmith said.

The college’s LPN to RN program also meets the need of health care employers throughout the region, he said.

New students must complete an application, have their official high-school and/or college transcripts sent to Eastern Gateway and also take placement tests before they can register.

Photo identification is required.

Returning students need only meet with their adviser.

Those requiring financial assistance should fill out a FAFSA application as soon as possible.

Gateway Grants covering tuition costs for four semesters, are available to graduates of Mahoning Valley high schools who have a 2.5 grade point average or better.

For information, call the Valley Center at 330-480-0726, the Warren Center at 330-393-0331 or 1-800-68- COLLEGE.