Providing Career Technical Training to Students in Auglaize and Mercer Counties
Frequently Asked Questions
Here you can find answers to some of our most popular questions. You may submit a question at the bottom of this page.
What is Career Technical education?
It is planned programs of study designed to provide students with the technical and social skills needed for employment. These skills increase an individual's chances of securing a good paying job in an area of interest to them.What can Tri Star offer me as a high school student?
- Extensive Career-Technical training with up-to-date equipment and software. Tri Star students train for approximately 2.5 hours per day in their career field and can earn Industry Recognized Credentials (IRC) that will give them an advantage when they seek employment.
- Instructors who are caring individuals with special training and "on-the-job" experience in the areas they teach
- College credit and scholarship money for qualified students who want to go on to college.
- Job seeking assistance.
What does it cost to attend Tri Star classes?
There is no tuition charge for attending a Tri Star class. However, most classes have lab fees AND, some programs require students to purchase tools (e.g. automotives, welding, construction). Class fees are listed here on the website.How does Career-Technical education compare to regular education programs?
In some respects it is similar to regular education classes in that students spend time in a classroom setting (with textbooks, etc.). The difference is Career Technical education programs devote a larger portion of class time (lab ) to hands-on application of the skills learned.How does a Career-Technical student's day differ from a regular student's day?
A student attends their chosen Career-Technical program for one half of the school day. The other half of their day is spent at their home high school completing required academic courses (math, science, English, government, etc.). All students must complete required courses needed for graduation. Check the Ohio Department of Education's website for graduation requirements (www.ode.state.oh.us).- Are there requirements for enrollment in a Tri Star program?
Yes, students are required to have accumulated a minimum nine (9) credit hours by the end of the sophomore year to be admitted. Students should also be aware that the criteria used for being selected into a program is based on a student’s attendance, which is weighted 70% AND their GPA (Grade Point Average) which is weighted 30% and is taken from their freshman and sophomore year. If I choose a Career-Technical program, can I still go to college once I graduate?
Yes, approximately 60% of Tri Star graduates go on to attend 2 or 4 year colleges or other post-secondary training.Is it true you can earn free college credit by taking a Tri Star class?
Yes, you can! In one of three ways:
1. Articulation Agreements - Students enrolled in a Tri Star program that has an articulation agreement with a college they plan to attend, AND you meet the specific requirements of that agreement (see the "college" tab located at the top of the page).
2. CTAV or CTAG Credit - Students can also earn college credits by way of CTAVs (or the Career Technical Articulation Verification). Specific requirements must be met; for example a senior must earn a proficient score on a WebXam with a CTAV attached to it and attend a PUBLIC college or university with a like course. Students who earn CTAVs will see the actual credit on a transcript.
3. College Credit Plus (CCP)- IT/Cybersecurity is the only CCP program at Tri Star Students can earn college credit for the course(s) if they successfully complete the program, enroll in the program as a CCP student, and meet all additional requirements to earn credit.
What is College Tech Prep?
College Tech Prep is a curriculum of study designed to prepare a student for a "high tech" career by blending academic and technical subjects. The goal of a Tech Prep program is to prepare a student to enter a two-year and/or four-year college through coursework which includes a combination of academic, job readiness, and technical skill development.- Project-based learning with an emphasis on critical thinking and problem-solving
- Providing opportunities to gain knowledge and skills in high demand careers.
- STEM programs are identified with the STEM logo in the Tri Star catalog.
Is transportation provided to a Tri Star class that is not held at my home school?
Yes! Our associate (or home) high schools provide bus transportation from the student's high school to the Tri Star building. However, students may choose to provide their own transportation.
PLEASE NOTE: Driving is a privilege. Students who drive irresponsibly or recklessly may lose their privilege to drive and be required to ride the bus or find other transportation.
Those who do choose to drive and/or students who ride with a student driver are required to complete a Transportation Authorization Form (found in the Tri Star Final Forms account on the home page of the Tri Star website here.) Students enrolled in work-study programs must provide their own transportation to and from school and/or work. Drivers must also provide proof of coverage by motor vehicle liability insurance (at the applicable state minimum level) in order to be able to drive to school.
Can Tri Star students participate in home school extracurricular activities?
Yes! Tri Star only requires students to leave their home school for half-a-day, thus enabling them to participate in activities and remain in close contact with peers and teachers at their home school.- How do I apply?
The application process is now electronic. To apply go to the Tri Star website and open the 'Application' tab at the top of the home page when the enrollment period is open (usually between December and mid-January). Electronic applications are accepted until the priority deadline of January 15th. Students may continue to apply after the priority deadline however this can only be done with a paper application found here on the Tri Star website or from a high school guidance counselor. Complete your portion of the application and turn it in to your high school guidance counselor. Counselors must then complete their portion of the application before sending it on to the Tri Star office for processing. Tri Star will continue to accept applications up until the start of the following school year. - Can my son or daughter be enrolled if he is home schooled?
Yes, but certain stipulations apply. Call the Tri Star Office (419-586-7060) for information. Can I take more than one Tri Star program in the same year?
Under certain circumstances this is possible, however for most students it cannot be done due to scheduling issues. A Tri Star program will take up one-half day of the student's school schedule and the other half is needed to complete academic requirements (e.g. math, English, government, science) at their home high school. Call the Tri Star Office (419-586-7060) for help in making this determination.Does Tri Star offer adult career technical classes?
Thirty-hour Welding, CNC machining, FANUC robotics certification, and PLC classes are offered for adults at various times throughout the year. Customizable computer classes can be offered as the need arises. For more information click on Adult Education or contact Mandy Diller at mandy.diller@tristarcc.org or call 419-586-7060.