COTC to Provide Free Laptops

Central Ohio Technical College (COTC) will provide a limited number of free laptop computers to students demonstrating financial need who are enrolled in the college’s information technology or digital media design technology programs. The new one-time Computer Grant is available on a first-come, first-served basis to 30 enrolled students beginning autumn semester 2022. Qualifying students will receive a Dell Precision 3570. Students will keep the computer as long as they are enrolled at COTC. Questions regarding the program or application requirements can be addressed to the Office of Student Financial Services at nwk-studentfinancialservices@mail.cotc.edu or by calling 740.366.9435.

Who is eligible and how to apply:

• The COTC Computer Grant is available to any new or returning students enrolled in at least six credit hours in a COTC information technology or digital media design technology associate degree or certificate program.
• Students must complete the online Computer Grant application at go.cotc.edu/computergrant and submit the 2022-2023 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at fafsa.gov.
• Computers will be available early in the semester.
• Qualifying students will sign an agreement clarifying the terms of the computer grant before receiving the laptop.

Students will keep their laptops as long as they are enrolled at COTC.

Invest in Yourself with In-Demand Career Training

At COTC, you can earn a degree or certificate in many of Ohio’s fastest-growing fields as you train for a meaningful career you’ll love, upskill and advance, or even start a bachelor’s degree. At COTC, your goals are our goals; our small class sizes and expert faculty make learning personal.

COTC’s Associate of Applied Business in Information Technology offers two majors preparing students for a broad range of in-demand career choices.

IT specialist: This major prepares students to support IT users, maintain computer systems and networks, and write basic programs through hands-on projects. Career choices include computer call center associate, computer sales associate, entry-level software developer, data processing technician, help desk technician, network administrator and entry-level IT project manager

Programming and software development: This major gives students hands-on experience with real-world information system applications. Career choices include software or app developer, entry-level systems analyst, help desk technician, database supporter or administrator, network administrator and website developer.

At COTC, students can choose between several digital media design technology programs.

The Associate of Applied Science in Digital Media Design Technology offers two majors allowing students a broad and intensive exploration of the process and the business of digital design.

Graphic design: Students in this major learn real-world graphic design skills, including photography and illustration, and will be prepared to begin careers immediately in advertising, marketing and branding, graphic design, digital or print publishing, social and new media, and product design printing and production.

Web design: Students majoring in web design will be immediately employable for careers in web design, web development or programming, digital or print publishing, social or new media, advertising, marketing or branding, and video and multimedia production.

COTC also offers a Digital Media Technology Certificate. This 21-credit-hour certificate can be completed in two or three semesters, providing graduates with the knowledge and skills to sit for the Adobe Certified Associates exam in any of several different areas (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Dreamweaver or Premier).

Learn More and Get Started Today

Applications are being accepted now for COTC’s autumn semester, which begins on Aug. 24. Apply for free at cotc.edu/apply. Call the COTC Admissions Office at 740.366.9222 or email cotcadmissions@mail.cotc.edu to learn more and schedule an appointment with an admissions representative.