Technical Colleges

1.1.2 Technical Colleges
Louisiana Statewide Transition Project and Louisiana: Healthy and Ready to Work Fact Sheet Series
	5/24/99

I. WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

The Technical College System is one post-secondary education option in Louisiana. The primary focus of education at a technical college (once called a trade school) is to prepare young adults for employment. The Louisiana Technical College (LTC) System consists of one college with forty-two campuses throughout the state. These campuses offer 80 full-time training programs to approximately 50,000 students in Louisiana. However, all campuses do not offer the same programs. It is important for young adults interested in attending a technical college to be aware of which programs are offered at a particular campus.

II. KEY POINTS

Purpose of a Technical College: There is an emphasis on learning job skills in technical college programs. These programs not only prepare young adults to enter the workforce for the first time, but also provide opportunities for those already working to learn new skills or augment existing skills. Programs combine classroom instruction, hands-on experience, and training. Graduates of technical college programs leave with specific skills and knowledge needed to work in a particular job or field. Technical colleges offer several levels of training which may result in professional certification, a diploma, or an Associate of Applied Technology degree depending on the requirements of the profession in that particular field.

Entrance Requirements: Louisiana has an official open door admission policy. Anyone who is 16 years of age or older may be admitted to the technical college, provided the pre-requisites of the chosen program are met. All applicants are required to take the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE). TABE scores are used only for placement into particular programs within the college and cannot be used to deny admission to the college. Specific programs have varying entrance requirements, usually based on standards of the profession. For information about entrance requirements for particular programs, contact the technical college campus offering the program of interest.

Types of Programs Offered:

Job Preparatory/Occupational Programs: These programs lead to a diploma or Associate of Applied Technology degree in particular areas. Entrance requirements for most of these programs include a minimum TABE score. Young adults enrolled in these programs participate in classroom instructional activities and practical experience on a full-time basis (full-day classes, all week). Curricula emphasize the acquisition of technical skills specific to particular jobs.

Developmental Studies/Basic Skills Program: This program is specifically designed for young adults who do not achieve the minimum TABE scores for the program of choice. The curricula in these programs are designed to increase skills in reading, mathematics, and/or English. Young adults may attend basic skills classes part of the day and pursue an Job Preparatory/Occupational Program for part of the day, provided the program of study does not require a high school diploma or successful completion of the General Education Development Test (GED). If a program requires a diploma or GED, it must be earned before beginning.

Adult Education/GED: Some campuses provide adult education classes that help prepare young adults for the GED examination. For specific information about adult education courses, contact the campus of interest.

Extension Programs: Some campuses offer coursework designed to teach new skills or to increase competency in existing skills. These programs, called Extension Programs, are implemented via evening courses and result in a certificate upon successful completion of program requirements. Courses offered through Extension Programs most often do not result in professional certification, licensure, or a diploma. These courses are short-term, lasting no more than three months.

Fees and Financial Aid: Personnel in the Student Personnel Services Office (SPSO) at each campus can provide students and applicants with information related to tuition and fees, as well as information related to available financial aid. Federal financial assistance may be applied for by completing and submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), available at technical college admissions offices and through high school guidance counselors. Louisiana graduates may be eligible for partial or full tuition exemption through a program called Tuition Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS), if they choose to pursue higher education in this state. For details about eligibility requirements, contact the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance (see the "Resources/Contacts" section of this fact sheet). There are also financial aid programs available only for young adults enrolled in vocational education. The Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) Title 2 and Title 3 programs are federal aid programs that assist young adults with the cost of training provided via vocational education programs. These JTPA funds can cover the cost of tuition, registration fees, books, tools, uniforms, and possibly transportation costs. Finally, there may be additional financial assistance available through Louisiana Rehabilitation Services (LRS) or through sources identified by the SPSO.

Accommodations for Students with Disabilities: The Student Personnel Services Office (SPSO) at each campus provides support services to all applicants and students. LTC staff provide young adults with information about the following: various programs and courses available at each campus; financial aid information; career counseling; and job placement services. Each campus has a designated staff member who serves as a "Section 504/Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator". This person assists young adults with disability-related issues, including accommodations. This support person will work with young adults to identify the accommodations or supports needed and will assist young adults in securing the documentation necessary to receive them.

III. ROLES/NEXT STEPS

Students/Young Adults: Young adults should start thinking about the need for further education/training while still in high school, especially when planning for the future. Many high schools have agreements with local Louisiana Technical College System Offices that allow their students to enroll in classes at technical colleges, either on a part-time basis during the school-year or full-time in the summer. For more information, young adults can speak to guidance counselors and/or teachers.

All young adults interested in enrolling in a technical college in Louisiana must take the TABE. Young adults should begin working early in high school to improve reading, basic math, and English skills. They should also broaden their social circle and practice making new friends. Social skills will be especially important when entering a technical college where they may not know many people.

Young adults should learn about their disability and what impact it may have on their post-secondary education and future career. They should practice identifying and using the supports, modifications, and/or accommodations needed in order to succeed in school, as well as on the job. Young adults should know their rights under the ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Finally, young adults should have access to, and understand, important documents, such as educational and psychological assessments, as they will be needed when requesting services/supports.

Families: Families should encourage young adults to explore several career options through programs at school and volunteer activities in the community. Family members can help identify interests, skills, and talents that may be used in a career. They can encourage young adults to think about the type of education and training that will be needed and can assist young adults in expressing this to adults supporting them in their transition.

Families should encourage young adults to self-advocate. Families are usually not as involved in post-secondary education as they were in K-12. By helping young adults develop advocacy skills, families can foster independence and the ability to make things happen.

Families must be involved when young adults apply for financial aid. They must provide accurate, up-to-date financial documents required when submitting the FAFSA. Financial aid is based upon not only the young adult's resources, but on the family's as well.

Agencies: Local Education Agencies (LEAs) must ensure that they explore young adults' desires to attend a technical college early enough for appropriate action to be taken. Waiting to identify this as a goal until later in the high school years greatly diminishes the chance young adults wishing to pursue this option will reach their goal.

By collaborating with local campuses of Louisiana's Technical College System, LEAs can design curricula that will prepare young adults for successful participation in technical post-secondary education.

Rehabilitation counselors at LRS should ensure that young adults are aware of all agency requirements for obtaining and retaining assistance through their agency.

Technical college personnel can assist potential students in becoming aware of resources available to all students on campus, not just those specifically for students with disabilities. Technical colleges can also identify individuals on campus who can support and advocate for young adults with disabilities in on-campus programs, as well as during the job placement.

Technical colleges can offer the opportunity for students with disabilities to meet other students with similar service/support needs who have successfully navigated the system. These informal supports can make the difference between success and failure.

Technical colleges can empower young adults to take action for themselves. Encouraging young adults to seek their own supports fosters independence.

When requested, all adult agency personnel should attend Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings at which transition to a technical college is discussed. LRS counselors and technical college personnel have valuable information that must be shared with teachers, families, and those young adults planning to attend a technical college.

IV. RESOURCES/CONTACTS

Louisiana Department of Education

Technical College System Office

P.O. Box 94064

Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70804-9064

225-342-3524 or 225-342-2897

www.doe.state.la.us

Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance

Tuition Opportunity Program for Students (T.O.P.S.)

225-925-7727

Job Training Partnership Act

Office of Employment and Training Programs, Rm. N4469
U.S. Department of Labor
200 Constitution Ave, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20210