ATTENTION ALL CITY OF AKRON EMPLOYEES
part-time | full-time | seasonal | classified | unclassified
You can enroll in tuition-free courses at Stark State College!
Pursue any of Stark State’s 230 degrees and certificates – or
just take classes to enhance your knowledge – for zero tuition dollars!
Summer Semester begins: June 6
Fall Semester begins: August 30
Deadline to apply : March 5, 2021
Documents and forms
Frequently asked questions
Overview – City of Akron employees and their IRS-Qualified dependent children can direct apply to the City of Akron Human Resources department to attend Stark State College tuition free. The City will determine eligibility for the program and then report such information to Stark State College so that the student can enroll accordingly. Employees and their IRS-Qualified dependent children must be approved each semester by the City of Akron (the City) Human Resource (HR) department. Approval in one semester does not guarantee approval in subsequent semesters.
I am a City of Akron employee. How can I apply?
Please complete the attached Classified/Unclassified employee Applicant Intake Form and submit it to HR. HR will notify you if you are approved. Your next step will be to either apply to SSC as a student or if you are already a student, you can schedule your class(es).
How does the program work?
There are two models for enrollment:
Guaranteed Seat Model for Classified Employees – If approved, classified Employees approved under the guaranteed seat plan may take up to 4 credit hours tuition exempt. Guaranteed seats are limited and approved on a first-come, first-served basis. Additionally, two weeks before the semester, employees approved under the guaranteed plan for that semester can take additional courses (as many as they wish) tuition exempt. This is called the Open Seat model. Again, they will be responsible for fees and course materials.
Open Seat Model for Classified/Unclassified Employees and IRS Qualified Dependents – Approved City employees can schedule classes in any “open seats” two weeks before the semester begins. Employees not approved under the guaranteed plan or qualified IRS dependents of a City employee can apply to take courses under the Open Seat model only. Because the Guaranteed Seat Model limits the number of students each semester, many students will be approved under the Open Seat Model.
I am a City of Akron employee. How can my IRS-Qualified dependent child apply?
Please complete the attached Qualified Dependent (QD) Applicant Intake Form and submit it to HR. HR will notify you if your child is approved. Your child’s next step will be to either apply to SSC as a student or if he/she is already a student, he/she can schedule classes during the Open Seat period. QD’s cannot register for their classes until the Open Seat period, which is always two weeks before the semester begins. All QD’s enrolling in the program for the first time will be required to complete a mandatory Orientation along with their parent(s) to ensure their success.
I am approved by the City to participate in the program. What is my next step?
If you are new to Stark State College, please refer to the Six Easy Steps to apply to the college. Once admitted to the college, you will be able to schedule your classes either at that time (if approved through guaranteed seat) or during the Open Seat period. If you are a returning student to SSC and have attended within the last two years, you will not need to reapply. Simply schedule your course(s) via the Open Seat or Guaranteed Seat Model timeframes.
I just want to take a course to gain knowledge. Can I still apply?
City of Akron employees can take classes to enhance their professional and personal knowledge. Coursework that is not job-related may be approved at the discretion of HR only through the Open Seat Model. Qualified IRS-Dependents must be degree-seeking students to qualify for the program. In either scenario, students must still meet the admissions requirements to SSC.
How much can I expect to pay?
If approved, students who register for classes will pay all fees and course materials. Fees include a one-time processing fee of $95, web fees for online courses at $10/credit hour and a security & maintenance fee of $35/semester if taking 4 or more credits. Students are also responsible for all course materials. For more details, please visit: www.starkstate.edu/tuition
Can my spouse apply for this program?
No. Seasonal, full-time, part-time classified/unclassified employees are welcome to apply as well as the IRS-Qualified children of a City of Akron employee. This does not include spouses and other types of IRS dependents.
What are the requirements to use and remain eligible for this program?
Employees in good standing are encouraged to apply directly to HR. Please contact HR for specific questions regarding your employee status.
- Students are subject to SSC’s academic policies and procedures. Dropping courses after the first week of the semester and failure to complete coursework with grade “C” or better (“B” or better when specified) can impact your ability to remain in the program.
- Students must pay their outstanding balance in full to maintain eligibility.
Are there limits to how many credits I can take under this program?
No. However, students are limited to a maximum of 21 credit hours per semester. If approved under the Guaranteed Seat Model, students will be limited to registering for up to 4 credit hours and may register for additional hours under the Open Seat Model (up to the max). If approved through the Open Seat Model, students may register up to the maximum 21 credit hours.
Can I use Federal Financial Aid, Military Benefits, Scholarships, and grants?
Yes. Financial aid can be used. However, the tuition benefit through the Workforce Development Program will be applied AFTER all other aid has been disbursed. If you are considering using financial assistance, please contact Stark State College’s Gateway Student Services at 330.494.6170, Option 1.