University of Toledo and Owens Community College renew partnership

The University of Toledo and Owens Community College have renewed their Rocket Express admission program for the second time, following the program’s establishment in 2017 and first renewal in 2022. The Rocket Express program is a seamless pathway program that provides a simple way for students who graduate from Owens Community College to continue their college education to earn a bachelor degree at the University of Toledo.

According to an article on the University of Toledo’s website, the university’s interim president Matt Schroeder was quoted as saying of the renewed partnership, “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. 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.”

The Rocket Express program guarantees admission into the University of Toledo for students who have earned an associate degree from Owens Community College. These students will be able to pursue a bachelor degree at UToledo. A total of 7,559 students have entered the Rocket Express program since it began in 2017.

Speaking at the signing of the Rocket Express renewal, Dione D. Somerville, the president of Owens Community College, said, “At Owens, we are committed to providing students with the education they need to succeed. 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.”

In addition to the Rocket Express renewal, Owens Community College formed another partnership with Penta Career Center that will allow for broadened access to a bachelor degree from the University of Toledo for a new set of students. Penta Career Center and Owens Community College have established a partnership that will give students who are attending Penta Career Center guaranteed admission into Owens Community College once the student graduates from high school. It also provides eligible students with a $1,000 scholarship. If these students go on to graduate from Owens Community College with an associate degree, they will also be able to take part in Rocket Express and earn a bachelor degree from the University of Toledo with guaranteed admission.

Edward Ewers, who serves as the superintendent of Penta Career Center, said, “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. 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.”

For more information about the University of Toledo, visit the school’s website.

More information about Owens Community College can be found on its website.