Ridge Technical College is an authorized testing center to provide access to students to take nationally recognized industry certification exams aligned to the student's career goals.

Each program has a program advisory council made of business professionals who offer industry feedback to align the program to the needs of the workforce. The council also provides employment opportunities through the publication of job advertisements to support student job placement.

The Financial Aid Coordinator assist with the financial aid funding sources offered at Ridge including Title IV Federal Pell Grant, VA Education Benefits, Florida Bright Futures Scholarship, Ridge Scholarship, and other federal or private scholarships/grants.

Students applying for financial aid must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at https://studentaid.gov/. It is recommended the completed application be submitted for processing at least 3-4 weeks prior to enrollment date. Scholarship resources can be found at www.fastweb.com or www.fnaid.org

Students receiving financial aid are required to meet with our Financial Aid Coordinator. Students receiving financial aid who withdraw from their registered program will be subject to a financial aid review and will be notified of financial obligations deemed to be the student’s responsibility. A Return of Title IV Funds calculation will be processed for any withdrawn student who received Pell Grant funds. 

Scholarships

AMERICORPS: a network of national service programs that engage Americans in intensive volunteer service to meet critical needs in education, public safety, health and the environment. 

CAREERSOURCE POLK: a federal assistance provides funding for Polk County residents who are applying for or who are enrolled in a high-skill, high-wage program.

FARMWORKERS PROGRAM: a federally-funded form of assistance for students and/or their families who are migrant or seasonal agricultural workers.

FEDERAL PELL GRANT: an entitlement from the United States Department of Education which does not require repayment if all criteria is met and maintained.

RIDGE SCHOLARSHIP: a needs-based award for students who have lived in Florida for at least one year prior to enrolling at Ridge.

VA EDUCATION BENEFITS: some career programs qualify for VA benefits for eligible veterans.

FLORIDA PREPAID COLLEGE PLAN:  for students who have paid into this state operated college plan.

NEW STUDENT TRANSFER: An incoming student who has previously attended another accredited institution will be asked to provide an official transcript. Clock hours of attendance, grades and skills are reviewed for award of credit, time and placement. All transfers are considered on an individual basis when space is available and admission requirements are met.  

TRANSFERS WITHIN RIDGE: Transfers can be initiated from full-time day programs to corresponding part-time evening programs and vice versa and from one program to another program both day and evening. Transfers are limited as much as possible to the beginning of each nine-week grading period. These transfers have to be approved by instructors, school counselors and administration. 

Most programs at Ridge Technical College have minimum admission or state licensure requirements. Applicants should be academically, physically, and emotionally capable of meeting the essential tasks of the chosen program and provide picture identification, official transcript, two proofs of residence, and W9s with social security card upon enrollment. Unless exempt, students will be required to take the Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment Systems (CASAS) within the first six weeks of admission. Ridge complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1973, the Non-discrimination Policy of Polk County Public Schools, and State Vocational Guidelines. Reasonable accommodations can be made for special needs students. Qualified students applying for admission are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis during open enrollment periods. Tuition deposit is 50% of full tuition by first day of school.

The following admission deadlines indicate the open admission windows. All applications are accepted first come, first serve until programs seats are full. Check with student services to determine with programs have availability each term.

Students enrolled in career and technical training have opportunties to engage with business partners in the workforce to increase their job opportuntiies and meet personal career goals through career fairs, open houses, mock interviews, and professional organizations.