An exciting advancement in educational opportunities is now available through the strengthened collaboration between Bowling Green State University (BGSU) and Penta Career Center. This enhanced partnership formalizes years of working together, significantly broadening access to higher learning for students through Penta Career Center Programs and BGSU’s College Credit Plus program.
These newly expanded Penta Career Center programs offer diverse degree paths, including an Associate of Technical Study, an Associate of Science degree, and accelerated routes to a Bachelor’s degree in both traditional and applied engineering. BGSU is committed to guiding Penta students, ensuring they receive the necessary academic advising and support to successfully navigate the program criteria and achieve their educational goals.
“This agreement marks a crucial step in building a robust pipeline of talent to meet the evolving demands of the manufacturing sector,” stated Edward Ewers, superintendent of Penta Career Center. “Listening closely to our industry partners, we recognize the critical need for a workforce equipped with both practical, hands-on skills and advanced post-secondary education. These degree pathways, developed in conjunction with BGSU, provide an ideal solution for our students aspiring to higher education while still benefiting from the career-focused environment Penta offers during their high school years.”
Upon completing their associate degree within the Penta Career Center programs framework and gaining admission to BGSU, students have a seamless transition into a wide spectrum of undergraduate programs. They can choose from any of the twelve bachelor’s degrees offered within BGSU’s esteemed College of Technology, Architecture and Applied Engineering. This ensures a multitude of options to align with diverse career aspirations and industry demands.
“The academic programs available through this partnership are strategically designed to be highly relevant to today’s industries, with a strong emphasis on applied, experiential learning. This approach is particularly effective for students who thrive in hands-on learning environments,” emphasized Wael Mokhtar, dean of the BGSU College of Technology, Architecture and Applied Engineering. “We are enthusiastic about the growth potential of this partnership, which is strategically aimed at strengthening Ohio’s economic vitality by expanding educational access and cultivating a highly skilled workforce to meet critical industry needs. The penta career center programs are designed to be a key component in achieving this objective.”
Looking ahead, BGSU and Penta are committed to further innovation in their collaborative offerings. Plans are underway to explore flexible program structures that integrate smart automation training with academic coursework. This forward-thinking approach will ensure that Penta Career Center programs remain at the cutting edge of workforce development, providing students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the rapidly evolving technological landscape.
