Education

Hey, Parents and High Schoolers! We understand that finding a college that is a good fit can be stressful and time-consuming. So, here at WCMC, we have compiled a list of resources for students and parents in the Greater Cincinnati Region that you can use to ease the process a bit.

 

Colleges and Scholarships

General Scholarships

UNCF - The United Negro College Fund is the nation’s largest private scholarship provider to minority group members. Each year, they award more than $100 million in scholarships to students attending more than 1,100 schools across the country, including a prestigious network of 37 HBCUs. They also manage a variety of scholarship programs.

You can also go here and here to find out about colleges and universities that offer merit-based full-ride scholarships.

UC/UD Scholarships

The University of Cincinnati and the University of Dayton are both prestigious universities with a wide range of degree programs, a diverse student body, and great faculty. They both offer numerous scholarships to incoming first-year students and have merit-based scholarships that require no additional applications. You can check out the links section or contact the financial aid departments of both universities to learn more about their aid options:

If you’ve applied to UC already, you can sign up for the Bearcat for a Day Shadow event where you can spend a day with a current UC student and experience what it is like to be a student at UC before you attend.

Great Oaks cAreer campuses

Great Oaks is a career-technical high school that serves 36 different school districts through 4 different campuses (two of them are right here in Cincinnati!) and offers 30 different programs that you can complete in your junior and senior year of high school as you prepare for continuing education, the workplace and/or the military. The programs offered allow you to earn industry certifications and college credit that can help you accelerate your graduation and save on tuition fees in college. Many apprenticeship programs allow you to move up on pay scales right off the bat. Great Oaks is a public high school, so if you live in one of their affiliated districts that are served by Great Oaks, there are no tuition fees for attendance. However, some programs require uniforms, which may be an additional cost. We encourage you to check out their programs in the links provided. They also have an annual open house on all campuses in January/February and if you’re still not sure about what course you want to take, you can schedule an appointment with one of their career specialists for a personal tour.

College Applications

Here we have a list of some great universities/colleges that are in or close to Cincinnati. All of them are great universities with some phenomenal degree programs and a variety of aid options. The links will lead you to the applications page of these universities. Be sure to read the application instructions carefully. Most universities use the Common Application, but some may have additional requirements for their application. We have also included links that will provide you with the aid options provided by the universities as well as information on their program offerings.

University of Dayton

UD Sinclair Academy

UD Sinclair Academy is a collaboration program where you start your degree at Sinclair and finish it at UD.

Trade Schools

While going to college is a common method to set yourself on the path to a successful and fulfilling career, we recognize that it may not be the right or the most viable choice for everyone. We encourage everyone to consider looking into trade schools. Trade schools offer specialized training in various fields such as mechanics, technology, & healthcare. These programs are designed to equip individuals with practical skills and knowledge essential for specific industries, often leading to quicker entry into the workforce. Additionally, trade schools are known for their hands-on approach, allowing students to gain real-world experience in their chosen field. This alternative route can be particularly appealing for those who prefer a more direct and focused educational experience tailored to their career goals. We have some links that can help you get started on your search.

Cincinnati State: WDC

The Workforce Development Center at Cincinnati State University provides short-term industry-relevant training for individuals and organizations. Their training programs combine state-of-the-art classrooms and training labs; up-to-date workplace tools; real-world simulations; and hands-on, practical instruction delivered by experienced industry professionals. The links below provide information on their program offerings, aid options, and contact information so that you can learn more about the application process.

Cincinnati State also offers a Fire Service Technology Certificate Course and two related courses that prepare students for entry-level jobs in fire service as a firefighter/emergency medical technician (EMT). You can find out more about the program here.