Bates Technical College will hold a special Open House on Monday, Sept. 12, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., open to prospective students, and specifically geared to help make ITT Technical Institute students aware of educational pathways at Bates.

ITT Tech, a for-profit private technical school with three campuses in Washington state, announced Tuesday, Sept. 6, that it is permanently closing its locations nationwide.

ITT Tech’s decision to shut down comes on the heals of a decision by the U.S. Department of Education to bar the organization from receiving federal financial aid to pay for new students’ tuition. With more than 80 percent of ITT’s revenue coming from students using federal grants and loans,  the closing of one of the nation’s largest for-profit schools was inevitable.

“Bates Technical College offers many programs that are similar to ITT Tech’s programs, including information technology and engineering (civil, electrical and mechanical) technology, all with affordable tuition,” said Al Griswold, Executive Vice President of Instruction/Chief Academic Officer. “Our faculty and staff are prepared to help students so they can continue their education and reach their career goals,” he said.

The Open House will be held at the college’s Advanced Technology Building at Central/Mohler Campus, 2320 S. 19th Street in Tacoma.

In addition to information technology programs, advisors representing aerospace, dental assisting, culinary arts, automotive programs and more will be available to answer questions and offer information. Prospective students can explore the campus, speak with career and veteran advisors, and financial aid staff.

Fall quarter begins Sept. 26. Attendees are encouraged to bring transcripts to help enroll into a program.

To learn more about the Open House and Bates Technical College, go to www.bates.ctc.edu, or call 253.680.7000.

– Bates Technical College