New credential opens door to federal financial aid and seamless career pathways
PLAIN CITY, OHIO — Tolles Career & Technical Center's Adult Education division has achieved national accreditation through the Council on Occupational Education (COE), marking a major milestone that affirms the quality and value of Tolles' adult training programs.
COE is one of only two accrediting agencies authorized by the U.S. Department of Education for Ohio Technical Centers (OTC). It recognizes Tolles for meeting rigorous standards in program quality, student achievement, financial stability, and institutional integrity.
"Earning national accreditation through the Council on Occupational Education validates everything we've built at Tolles," said Kevin Prenger, Director of Adult Education. "It means our adult education programs meet the same rigorous standards as Ohio's community colleges and four-year universities. For our students, it reinforces that their investment of time and money is going toward a high-quality, trusted education that truly leads to opportunity."
Accreditation through the Council on Occupational Education (COE) places Tolles among Ohio’s network of 49 accredited Ohio Technical Centers recognized and governed by the Ohio Department of Higher Education. This recognition affirms that Tolles’ adult education programs meet rigorous, federally recognized standards for quality, integrity, and student achievement.
Upon satisfying final requirements and receiving approval from the U.S. Department of Education, Tolles will be eligible to offer federal student financial aid programs, including Title IV and Pell Grant funds, further enhancing access for working adults and career changers seeking to advance their skills.
The accreditation also opens the door for stronger connections between Tolles' high school programs and adult training opportunities. Tolles is now positioned to develop pathways that allow students who complete high school programs in areas like Pre-Nursing, Firefighting, or Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to continue their post-secondary education at Tolles, building on the foundation they've already established.
"When students find a place where they're thriving, they shouldn't have to leave behind the instructors and environment that helped them succeed," Prenger said. "This accreditation gives them the option to keep their momentum going, continuing their training in a place that already feels like home."
The milestone also reinforces Tolles' expanding role as a community asset, serving not just high school students but working adults and career changers across the region.
"This accreditation reflects the hard work and vision of the Tolles team and the growing impact Tolles has across Central Ohio," said Doug Maggied, Vice President of Tolles Board of Education. "It affirms Tolles' role as a regional leader in preparing both high school and adult learners for meaningful careers, while opening new doors for students who want to stay, grow, and succeed right here in our communities."
