In addition, Stark State College will waive the initial application fee and student parking fee. After that, the student will be required to pay for any additional schedule changes. There is no up-front money and no cost to the student or agency since this is a state and federally funded training program. A core course is a credit-bearing course developed by the TOPS in Human Services program at Ohio University. These courses have been approved by the Ohio Department of Human Services and the Ohio Board of Regents.
Core courses provide workers with basic skills and program knowledge in all areas of human services.
Core classes are offered during the regular workday and require work release time for those attending. Computer core classes are taken for a letter grade. There are approximately 25 core courses offered in the areas of supervision, child support, income maintenance, and general skills such as interviewing, family assessment, collaboration, strategies for change, safety in human services, computer skills, etc. Any full time employee may take any or all of the core courses with agency approval. Core courses are offered at Stark State College on a quarterly basis and are scheduled during the work day Monday through Friday.