UToledo, Owens Community College Renew Rocket Express Program

UToledo, Owens Community College Renew Rocket Express Program

The University and Toledo and Owens Community College have renewed their Rocket Express admissions program that provides students a seamless pathway to earn a bachelor's degree from UToledo after beginning their education at Owens.

The program was first established in 2017 and previously renewed in 2022.

Owens President Dione D. Somerville and UToledo Interim President Matt Schroeder announced the renewed Rocket Express agreement Monday at a signing ceremony held on Owens' campus. Owens also on Monday signed a new pathway agreement with Penta Career Center.

"At Owens, we are committed to providing students with the education they need to succeed," Somerville said. "By partnering with Penta and The University of Toledo, we are ensuring that students have a clear, accessible pathway to higher education and meaningful careers, all while addressing the workforce needs that are so critical to the region's economic growth. These agreements are a great example of how we can collaborate to make a tangible difference in the lives of our students and the broader community."

Rocket Express enhances transfer opportunities for Owens students guaranting admission into bachelor's programs at UToledo upon completing their associate's degree at Owens.

The renewed Rocket Express Admission Pathway is an evolution of the original agreement between the two institutions, and a reassertion of the commitment to working together for the betterment of the economy and workforce in northwest Ohio.

"UToledo is proud of our longstanding partnership with Owens to provide this pathway to success that supports our region's efforts to grow and retain talent right here at home," Schroeder said. "Higher education has always played a critical role in shaping the workforce. We have the power to do more by working together than we can as individual institutions. I look forward to building on this Rocket Express partnership with even more ways to collaborate and positively impact our community."

Since the inception of Rocket Express in 2017, a total of 7,559 students enrolled in the program. In the same timeframe, 4,932 Owens students transferred to UToledo. Nearly one-third of the Owens transfer students were enrolled in Rocket Express.

Owens' new agreement with Penta allows high school students to start their college journey early, offering them a seamless transition into higher education. The partnership offers guaranteed admission to Owens upon high school graduation, with qualifying students receiving a $1,000 scholarship plus the opportunity for additional scholarships.

"We are looking forward to the implementation of the Penta Express for our students, providing them with pathway options for post-secondary education at Owens Community College," Penta Superintendent Edward Ewers said. "This partnership is a perfect fit for many of our students who may benefit from additional support as they transition to college. Through priority admission and registration, access to scholarships, and dedicated support services, we believe the Penta Express creates valuable options for our students to pursue and achieve their goals in higher education."

The collaboration between Owens, Penta and UToledo is an essential part of regional workforce development, particularly for industries such as advanced manufacturing, technology and engineering. These fields are expected to see substantial growth in the coming years

The signing ceremony was held on Monday to coincide with a visit from JobsOhio representatives, including Kristi Clouse, senior managing director of talent, who attended the signings plus toured the Dana Center for Advanced Manufacturing Training and Engineering Technologies buildings. JobsOhio leaders saw firsthand the critical work Owens is doing in areas such as robotics, machining, motor controls, cybersecurity and electrical engineering, among others.

"Ohio's manufacturing workforce is the backbone of its economy, and Owens Community College plays a critical role in developing that talent," Clouse said. "Through partnerships like those signed between Owens, Penta Career Center and The University of Toledo, we can ensure students have clear, seamless pathways and are well-prepared to meet the demands of the rapidly evolving industries that will shape Ohio's future."