TESST College of Technology Programs: Transforming Hope into Career Certainty
For individuals seeking a path from uncertainty to a promising career, TESST College of Technology, now under new ownership, provided a range of accredited training programs designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed for success. Although TESST College of Technology is no longer operating, the information about its programs and mission remains relevant for understanding the landscape of career-focused education in the Baltimore region. This article explores the key aspects of TESST College of Technology, its mission, programs, and the support services it offered to students.
TESST College of Technology: A Historical Overview
Established in 1957 as TESST Technology Institute, TESST College of Technology initially focused on electronics training. Over the years, it expanded its reach through acquisitions, including the Arundel Institute of Technology in 1992 and RETS Technical Training Center in 1999, which had been offering classes in Maryland since 1956. These acquisitions allowed TESST to broaden its program offerings and serve a larger student population in the Baltimore metropolitan area. The college had multiple campuses, including locations in Baltimore, Beltsville, and Towson, as recognized by the US Department of Education.
In 2009, TESST College of Technology was acquired by Kaplan Higher Education Corporation. Later, Education Corporation of America (ECA) completed the purchase of Kaplan Campuses, including TESST. Unfortunately, Education Corporation of America closed all its campuses, including TESST College of Technology, in December 2018.
Mission and Focus
TESST College of Technology, through its association with "I'm Still Standing," a 501(c)3 community-based organization, aimed to disrupt the cycle of poverty, unemployment, and underemployment. Its mission was to provide comprehensive career development services to both veterans and civilians in Baltimore City and surrounding counties, including Baltimore County, Anne Arundel County, and Harford County. The college focused on individuals who were "on task" and "at-risk," recognizing the diverse needs of its student population.
Accredited Training Programs
TESST College of Technology distinguished itself as a state-accredited private career school, holding accreditation from the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC). This accreditation ensured that the college met specific standards of educational quality and that its programs were recognized by employers and other educational institutions.
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Wraparound Services
Recognizing that barriers to employment can be significant, TESST College of Technology offered a range of wraparound services to support its students. These services addressed various challenges students might face, helping them stay focused on their education and career goals.
Key Features of the Programs
While specific details about the programs are not provided here, TESST College of Technology emphasized several key features:
- Average Class Size: TESST College of Technology maintained small class sizes, typically between 15 and 20 students per class. This allowed for more individualized attention and a more interactive learning environment.
- Completion Rate: A key metric for any educational institution, the completion rate reflected the percentage of students who successfully completed their academic programs.
- Placement Rate: TESST College of Technology tracked the placement rate of its graduates, indicating the percentage of students who secured jobs in their field of study after graduation. This metric was crucial for demonstrating the effectiveness of the college's training programs in preparing students for the workforce.
Financial Aid and Accessibility
TESST College of Technology aimed to make its programs accessible to a wide range of students. Financial aid was available for those who qualified, helping to reduce the financial burden of education. Additionally, the college, in conjunction with "I’m Still Standing", provided individualized resources at no out-of-pocket cost, further enhancing accessibility for students with limited financial means.
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