free college: the perfect option, no matter where you are in life

The fall term start-up date for OCSEA’s Free College program is just around the corner. Classes for both free college programs start Aug. 16, so register now! This includes the associate degree programs through Eastern Gateway Community College and the bachelor’s degree programs through Central State University. The programs are totally free and available to all OCSEA members and their families, including immediate and extended family members.

Union Free College is the perfect option, no matter where you or a family member are in life. It’s the perfect introduction to dependents just out of high school who want to experience college or don’t know what career they want to pursue. It’s the perfect option for a spouse who decides to change careers midstream and start anew. And it’s a perfect chance for members looking for potential post-retirement career options. Just ask Tim McAllister, who graduated last month with a paralegal degree, Summa Cum Laude, from Eastern Gateway––at zero cost to him.

Tim is a familiar face with the union, as he serves on the OCSEA Board of Directors and is union chapter president of a large Bureau of Workers’ Compensation chapter in Central Ohio. But he is also a member who is excited about pursuing his dream profession and building skills to help his union brothers and sisters. And, OCSEA Free College made that a reality! Read Tim’s story below:

I decided to pursue a degree at Eastern Gateway Community College in order to broaden my options as I was getting closer to being eligible to retire. I already had a Bachelor's of Science in Computer Science and Organizational Leadership Management from Franklin University, and a master's in Technology and Education from Nova Southeastern University. I have always been interested in legal studies, and the free college at EGCC provided me a way to pursue this interest. The Paralegal courses have helped me with my steward and JIAC [Judicial And Internal Affairs Committee] Chair duties with OCSEA. I was also able to internship at OCSEA during my last semester at EGCC, which provided me great real-world experience.

I would highly recommend EGCC to everyone! It is never too late to go back to school and learn new things! Their online and flexible course schedules allowed me to take classes at my own pace and really fit in well within my busy schedule.

Learn more about OCSEA Free College at OCSEAEducation.org.