LAID-OFF WORKERS TO RECEIVE FREE TUITION AT OIT, KCC Oregon residents eligible to take classes in a new program called Spring Free for Recently Unemp

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. – Any Oregonian who was laid off on or after Oct. 1, 2008, may be eligible to take free courses at either Oregon Institute of Technology’s Klamath Falls campus or Klamath Community College during Spring Term 2009.

OIT President Chris Maples along with student services directors put together the “Spring Free for Recently Unemployed Oregonians” program late last week. KCC President Gerald Hamilton enthusiastically embraced the program as well.

In this program, those who recently held full-time jobs would be eligible to take classes on a space-available basis at either KCC or OIT during Spring Term only. Students’ needs will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, and prospective students should be prepared to gather necessary documentation quickly.

“OIT is in the enviable position of being able to offer a hand to people so they can once again stand on their own two feet,” said Maples. “We all know higher education can open doors, so this is our chance to help our fellow Oregonians in these tough times.”

“It is in KCC's mission to work with dislocated workers,” said Hamilton. “We are an open enrollment college, and we are happy to work with OIT to help dislocated workers on their way to learning new skills. There is great cooperation between OIT and KCC.”

Specific information about how to get started is listed below for prospective OIT and KCC students.

How to get started at OIT

Prospective students wishing to take advantage of the Spring Free program need to contact the OIT Admissions staff at (541) 885-1150 to get started. Admissions personnel will guide prospective students through the processes of enrolling, applying for financial aid, arranging for placement tests (if applicable) and providing guidance about course selections. To begin, prospective students will need a brief letter from their last employer as evidence of termination due to lack of work.

There are a few important points prospective students should be aware of: Free tuition and fees are capped 14 credits, prospective students are limited to classes where there is space available, participants will be required to enroll in an Academic Success course and the program is only available for Spring Term 2009. A checklist, eligibility requirements, downloadable forms, FAQs and other resources will be available online at www.oit.edu/springfree.

How to get started at KCC

Prospective students wishing to take advantage of the Spring Free program at KCC need to contact Student Services Representative Sharman Blaustein at (541) 880-2208 or blaustein@klamathcc.edu to begin the application and registration process inclusive of a skills assessment.

Eligibility for KCC’s program will be extended to people who have been laid off from full time, part time or seasonal work. Space is limited to the first 30 new students who have completed the application process.

Eligibility for KCC’s program will be extended to people who have been laid off from full time, part time or seasonal work. Space is limited to the first 30 new students who have completed the application process and free tuition will cover three courses: Psychology 101, Business 101, and College Survival and Success 101. Visit www.kcc.cc.or.us to learn more.