BGSU and Penta Career Center formalize partnership, dual enrollment program

Through the program, students at Penta can dual enroll at BGSU at no cost, earning college credits while taking career-technical classes

Bowling Green State University and Penta Career Center are formalizing a plan to offer flexible degree pathways for students – leveraging the strengths and partnership of two anchor institutions in northwest Ohio to meet regional and state workforce needs.

Through this partnership, students at Penta Career Center can dual enroll at BGSU at no cost, earning college credits while also taking career-technical classes at Penta. Upon graduation, students will have an opportunity to earn both their high school diploma and be on an accelerated path to earning a bachelor’s degree at BGSU, should they choose to continue their studies. 

“We are excited to formalize our partnership with Penta Career Center, making the path to a BGSU degree even easier for students from across northwest Ohio,” BGSU President Rodney K. Rogers said. “This partnership highlights the strength of our region’s robust educational ecosystem and creates opportunities for students to get career-technical training and a college degree while in high school. There are incredible benefits to both paths and with this partnership, students can merge these opportunities and maximize their options for the future in their careers and lives.”  

The newly formalized partnership expands an existing relationship between BGSU and Penta, which have worked collaboratively for years to provide students with increased access to learning opportunities through the College Credit Plus program.

Through the program, available degrees include an associate of technical study, an associate of science degree, and accelerated pathways to a bachelor’s degree in traditional engineering or applied engineering. BGSU will work with Penta to assist students in taking the necessary coursework to meet the program criteria. 

“This agreement will allow us to reinforce a pathway for students that will help provide an in-demand workforce catered to the manufacturing industry,” said Edward Ewers, superintendent of Penta Career Center. “We have listened to our industry partners and understand their need for a skilled workforce that combines technical hands-on application with the ability to obtain post-secondary degrees. These degree pathways with BGSU are a perfect fit for our students who desire a post-secondary option while still in high school.”  

Through this program, once a student has earned an associate degree and is admitted to the University, they can pursue any of the 12 undergraduate degrees available in the BGSU College of Technology, Architecture and Applied Engineering.

“These in-demand academic programs are heavily focused on applied, experiential learning, especially beneficial for students who identify as hands-on learners,” said Wael Mokhtar, dean of the BGSU College of Technology, Architecture and Applied Engineering. “We are looking forward to growing this partnership, which aims to boost economic vitality in Ohio by increasing access to educational opportunities to support the demand for an educated and skilled workforce.”

In addition to the above-mentioned degrees available through the partnership, BGSU and Penta plan to explore flexible programming, which stacks smart automation training and academic coursework toward degree attainment.