Reentry Resources

• Academic Counseling is one of the most important services you will receive in college. Work together with your counselor to achieve your educational goals.
• Admissions and Enrollment Services support students from their first interest in Tri-C through graduation, including:
  • Navigating the College's Admissions Process
  • Course Registration
  • Payment Plan Setup
  • Student Accounting Information
  • Assistance With Registration Holds
  • Intake of Documents/Residency Information
• Career Services include a variety of free services, such as career coaching, resources and programs to help individuals clarify their academic and career goals, develop a career plan and job search skills, and make career transitions.
• GED/High School Equivalency Certificate (HiSET)
• Student Financial Aid and Scholarship offices are located on each campus to help students navigate financial aid options for their college expenses. Students can meet with a student financial aid advisor for guidance on student loans, Pell Grants, FAFSA and scholarship applications, applying for the Work-Study program and issues with their satisfactory academic progress (SAP).
  • Ohio College Comeback programs offer several ways for students with debt owed to return and complete their certificate or degree at Tri-C.
  • Financial Education workshops and free online tools are available to assist students.
• Tutoring Services are free to Tri-C students for the courses they are currently enrolled in. A variety of options, including drop-ins and appointments, are available at each campus.
• Project GO! provides free services and additional resources to ease financial challenges for qualified students. The program eliminates barriers to education by connecting students with food and housing assistance, child care, utility assistance and health care needs.
• Additional Student Resources are available to assist you in your educational journey.

• Ohio College2Careers works with students with disabilities at Ohio colleges and universities to ensure they are equipped with what they need to complete a degree or certificate and enter the workforce.

• The Cuyahoga County Office of Reentry provides an array of services and support for returning citizens, including reentry research and community education. 
  • Rental Assistance Opportunity
    This opportunity is designed to provide temporary financial relief for individuals who face housing instability and need support in rebuilding their lives after incarceration. The deadline to apply is March 21. View more details and the application here.

• The Cuyahoga County Public Defender's Office provides representation to protect the rights of those who cannot afford to retain counsel and helps with sealing/expunging adult criminal records, among other services.

• LegalWorks Inc. offers individuals with criminal records and legal issues free and low-cost legal services during regular office hours, clinics and appointments.

• The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland serves low-income individuals by providing legal services at no cost. 

• The Ohio Department of Reentry Services supports the reintegration of individuals by connecting them with communities, programs and services. 

• The Ohio Means Jobs Plan for Reentry provides practical tools for restored citizens and their families to search for jobs and career paths through a secure database with approved employers.

• Relink.org connects people in need with local community resources through a no-cost, easy-to-use database.

• The Scranton Road Legal Clinic offers a variety of legal education workshops and brief advice clinics to help individuals understand their legal rights and options.

• The Second Chance Reentry Clinic at Case Western Reserve University assists reentry citizens facing issues due to their criminal records. 

Am I able to enroll at Tri-C due to my record? 
Justice-impacted individuals can enroll at Tri-C. Individuals who have been convicted of a sexual offense in the past 15 years, are registered sex offenders, or have been convicted of a sexual-related offense or a violent crime against a minor must take additional steps. Please review our Sexual Offense Felony Admission and Reporting Procedure.

I need to work to meet my basic needs. Can I work and go to college at the same time?
Yes, the College offers learning options that fit your life, including: 

• Online, on-ground, hybrid and on-demand classes
• Credit for prior learning/experience
• Class schedules ranging from eight to 16 weeks with day, evening and weekend options available

Learn more about Tri-C's flexible learning options.

Can I start with a certificate and add to it?
Yes, we offer short-term certificates that you can complete in less than a year and stackable certificates through a number of our programs, including: 

• Accounting
• Business Technology
• Information Technology
• Welding

I haven't earned a high school or GED diploma. Can Tri-C help? 
Yes! Tri-C's Options for Adults can help you find free educational services. Visit Tri-C's Ohio Options web page for more information.

I owe a debt to my last college and have financial aid issues. Am I out of luck? 
You are not out of luck. Tri-C offers several ways for students with debt owed to return and complete their certificate or degree! Learn more about the College Comeback Debt Forgiveness programs.

Is there something a person still incarcerated can do now to get started at Tri-C? 
If you or a family member is currently incarcerated and looking to get started at Tri-C, you can: 

• Explore Tri-C programs to find a certificate or degree program that interests you. 
• Connect with a recruiter for assistance applying to Tri-C and navigating the enrollment. process. 
• Complete your FAFSA to apply for financial aid. 
• Take a placement test to determine what courses to register for.

If you are only interested in Tri-C's online programs, visit Tri-C's Online Opportunities web page to view degrees and certificates that can be completed 100% online.  

How do I talk about my past or gaps in employment on my resume with a potential employer? 
Start by scheduling an appointment with someone from our Career Services offices. They will be able to help you best frame your employment gaps on your resume, highlight relevant skills, and prepare to answer questions effectively during a job interview. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit Tri-C's Career Services web page.

Can someone in Legal Services assist me with my legal issues?  
Unfortunately, Legal Services cannot provide legal advice to students. However, they can give you referral options. Or you can refer to the list of legal services in the external resources section of this page.