Homeschooling expanded massively during the height of the pandemic and is still growing in popularity. To help current and future homeschooling families explore training and credentialing options for their students, OTC is offering a new Homeschool Open House on Thursday, June 16. Events begin at 6 p.m. in Lincoln Hall on OTC’s Springfield campus.

OTC wants all students in the community to understand their opportunities for continued education and workforce training. “Our event is geared toward high school students and those about to enter high school,” says Amethyst Di Tieri, organizer of the event. “We will have a presentation at 6 p.m., followed by a brief tour of the campus, then a mini resource fair in the atrium with light refreshments.” Families will have a chance to visit with representatives from OTC’s Health Sciences, Technical Education and General Education programs, as well as a broad variety of high school programs.

Financial aid is available for students interested in a post-secondary degree. There also are affordable options for people – parents and children – interested in taking one or two classes or completing the HiSet (high school equivalency credential).

OTC has a history of helping homeschool students successfully transition to college and technical training, and to excel. Karen Sharley was inducted to Phi Theta Kappa honor society and specially selected to represent the entire graduating class as student speaker at OTC’s 2021 Commencement ceremony. Award-winning songwriter Riley Braker graduated from OTC with a high school diploma and an associate degree – simultaneously at age 18.

“The biggest reason I would say to attend,” Di Tieri says of the Open House, “is to meet with the different departments and resources in an evening dedicated to serving the specific needs of homeschoolers.”

Homeschool families unable to attend are invited to visit OTC Homeschool or email explore@otc.edu for more information.