Penta Career Center, in a newly formalized partnership with Bowling Green State University (BGSU), is significantly expanding opportunities for students seeking advanced education and promising career pathways. This strengthened collaboration builds upon years of successful cooperation through the College Credit Plus program, now offering students even greater access to diverse learning experiences.
This innovative program provides clear degree pathways, including an Associate of Technical Study and an Associate of Science degree. Furthermore, it establishes accelerated routes to bachelor’s degrees in both traditional engineering and applied engineering fields. BGSU is committed to guiding Penta Career Center students through the necessary coursework to ensure they meet all program requirements and smoothly transition into higher education.
Edward Ewers, superintendent of Penta Career Center, emphasizes the program’s direct response to industry needs: “This agreement allows us to strengthen a vital pathway for students, directly addressing the demand for a highly skilled workforce within the manufacturing sector.” He further explains, “By listening closely to our industry partners, we recognize their critical need for professionals who possess both robust technical skills and advanced academic qualifications. These degree pathways, developed in conjunction with BGSU, are ideally suited for our students who aspire to post-secondary education while still in high school.”
Upon earning an associate degree through this collaborative program and gaining admission to BGSU, students unlock a wide array of academic opportunities. They become eligible to pursue any of the 12 undergraduate degrees offered within the BGSU College of Technology, Architecture and Applied Engineering, opening doors to diverse specializations and career advancements.
Wael Mokhtar, dean of the BGSU College of Technology, Architecture and Applied Engineering, underscores the practical nature of these programs: “These highly sought-after academic programs are intentionally designed with a strong emphasis on applied, experiential learning. This approach is particularly beneficial for students who thrive in hands-on learning environments.” Dean Mokhtar adds, “We are enthusiastic about the continued growth of this partnership, which is strategically aimed at bolstering economic growth within Ohio by expanding access to crucial educational opportunities. This initiative directly supports the increasing demand for a well-educated and highly skilled workforce across the state.”
Looking ahead, BGSU and Penta Career Center are committed to further innovation. They are actively exploring flexible programming options that integrate smart automation training with academic coursework. This forward-thinking approach ensures students are not only earning degrees but also gaining cutting-edge skills that are directly applicable and highly valued in today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape.
