Top 10 Imagine America Schools of 2018

The Imagine America Foundation is proud to have created a strong network of schools that provide the career training that students nationwide are looking for. We are dedicated to helping students at every step of their educational journey, and there is no part of that more important than the decision of enrolling at the right institution. In our efforts to ensure students are able to find the right program for them, we have partnered with schools all across the country to share their unique strengths with the prospective student population.

IAF is also thrilled to offer our scholarship and award programs to eligible students attending our partner schools. We award a $1,000 tuition discount to thousands of students every year so they can receive a more affordable education at qualified institutions. In 2018, these ten schools received the most scholarship and award support from IAF for their students. We want to thank them for being part of the IAF directory of schools and share some valuable information about their programs.

Academy of Art University (San Francisco, CA)

With more than 20 program areas in the arts, including communications, graphic design, and web design, Academy of Art University provides hands-on curriculum in San Francisco. The school awards associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees, as well as certificates. AAU was founded in 1929 and is the largest private art and design university in the country. They are accredited by CIDA (Council for Interior Design Accreditation), CTC (California Commission on Teacher Credentialing Accreditation), NAAB (The National Architectural Accrediting Board), NASAD (National Association of Schools of Art and Design), and WSCUC (WASC Senior College and University Commission).

Ohio Technical College (Cleveland, OH)

Ohio Technical College provides training in the automotive and technical industries, with programs like auto diesel technology, generator power systems, and welding and fabrication technology. The OTC Cleveland campus includes both classroom and workshop space to provide hands-on training and has more than 600,000 square feet of total training space. The school was founded in 1969 and partners with industry brands to ensure relevant and up-to-date skills. Their curricula are designed to prepare students for the industry certifications and recognitions future employers will be looking for. They are accredited by ACCSC (Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges).

Lincoln Technical Institute (Philadelphia, PA)

One of more than 20 locations nationwide, the Philadelphia campus of Lincoln Tech offers automotive technician training. Instructors are ASE-certified (ASE is the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence) and help students earn either an automotive technology diploma or an automotive service management associate degree. The programs include hands-on training on industry-standard machines and tools on campus and help students learn the ins and outs of parts, systems, issues, and diagnoses. The school is accredited by ACCSC (Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges).

Porter & Chester Institute (Waterbury, CT)

Porter & Chester Institute in Waterbury offers ten training programs in a variety of areas, including technical programs like automotive technology, electronic systems, and HVACR (heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration) and healthcare programs like dental assisting, medical billing and coding, and practical nursing. The Waterbury campus is one of nine Porter & Chester campuses in Massachusetts and Connecticut. PCI was founded in 1946, with the Waterbury campus opening in 1977 as part of the school’s ongoing expansion. The school is accredited by ACCSC (Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges).

Universal Technical Institute (Phoenix, AZ)

The Phoenix campus of Universal Technical Institute is located in Avondale, one of Phoenix’s fastest-growing suburbs. This location is one of 13 UTI campuses nationwide. The Phoenix UTI campus offers career training programs in the automotive, diesel, and welding fields. After students complete their core classes, they can take specialized training programs to gain manufacturer-specific skills and experience for major industry brands. Students can earn a diploma or associate degree and can be prepared to achieve industry certifications after graduation. UTI is accredited by ACCSC (Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges).

Universal Technical Institute (Exton, PA)

Universal Technical Institute’s Exton campus is located in the greater Philadelphia area. One of 13 UTI campuses nationwide, the Exton UTI campus offers diploma programs in the automotive and diesel fields. With 178,000 square feet of campus space, this location also features a Roush Yates Power and Performance Lab, where students can tear down and rebuild engines. After students complete their core classes, they can take specialized training programs to gain manufacturer-specific skills and experience for major industry brands. UTI is accredited by ACCSC (Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges).

Automotive Training Center (Exton, PA)

Founded in 1917, Automotive Training Center has been training students in automotive, collision, diesel, hi-performance, and marine programs for more than a century. In Exton, programs include automotive, diesel, and hi-performance technology and collision reconditioning technology. ATC maintains NATEF/ASE (National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation/National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence) certification and provides industry-standard tools and equipment for demonstration and student training in classrooms, specialized labs, and shops. The Exton campus is one of two locations in Pennsylvania and is accredited by ACCSC (Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges).

Tulsa Welding School (Tulsa, OK)

Tulsa Welding School has provided welding education since 1949. Based in Tulsa, the school has since expanded to include two additional campuses in Houston, Texas, and Jacksonville, Florida. At the Tulsa location, students can complete a seven-month professional welder program or earn an associate of occupational studies degree in welding technology, which can be completed in 14 months. The programs are designed to allow students to get hands-on experience starting on just day two of training. TWS is accredited by ACCSC (Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges).

Lincoln College of Technology (Denver, CO)

The Denver campus of Lincoln College of Technology is one of more than 20 locations nationwide. It offers training programs for automotive technology, collision repair and refinishing, diesel technology, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), and welding technology. Lincoln Tech in Denver provides hands-on training at its 194,950 square foot campus, helping their students earn either a diploma or an associate degree. The school has a partnership with Audi of America to provide manufacturer-specific technology training and is accredited by ACCSC (Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges).

Universal Technical Institute (Dallas, TX)

The Dallas campus of Universal Technical Institute is located in Irving, Texas, and is accessible by both the Dallas and Fort Worth metro areas. It’s one of 13 UTI campuses nationwide and has nearly 100,000 square feet of space for classrooms and labs. Students at the Dallas location can participate in career training programs in the automotive, diesel, and welding fields and can earn either an associate degree or a diploma. Their automotive and diesel programs are certified by NATEF (National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation). UTI is accredited by ACCSC (Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges).

Is your school ready to join the Imagine America Foundation in supporting your students? We hope you will partner with us to provide students even more helpful resources as they pursue training for a new career, including our scholarship and award programs for high school seniors, adult learners, and military personnel. Contact Lee Doubleday at 571-267-3015 or leed@imagine-america.org for more information and to get started today!

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