Pulaski Technical College

460 North Washington, El Dorado, AR

Pulaski Technical College, located in North Little Rock Arkansas, was founded in 1945 when it was known as Little Rock Vocational School. Control of the school was transferred to the Arkansas Board of Vocational Schools in 1969, resulting in a expansion of school programs and services and a renaming to Pulaski Vocational Technical Institute. By 1976 the schools awarded a large land grant by the Veteran's Administration resulting in a transfer of the school to its current location. In 1991 the state of Arkansas began consolidating its various public institutions, and Pulaski Vocational Technical Institute became part of the Arkansas Technical and Community College System along with 12 other such institutions. Through this new system PVTI became a fully fledged community college and changed its name to Pulaski Technical College or Pulaski Tech for short.

Academics

Pulaski Tech offers career training programs as well as academic transfer opportunities to four year institutions for students and residents enrolled or in its service area. The large number of programs allows for a variety of choices for individuals when considering their future and how to plan for it. Career programs take between one and two years to complete and result in either a certificate or degree, and demonstrate competency in the chosen area of study. This includes having received the training, education and skill development necessary to become professionals and enter the workforce ready to tackle daily tasks required by their employer.

Academic transfer programs allow students to complete the first two years of a four year education, taking lower division and general education courses for the freshman and sophomore years, followed by applying for transfer to earn their bachelor's degree by completing the remaining courses over the following two years. Students applying for transfer to a public Arkansas University will find the process eased through agreements in place with the Arkansas Technical and Community College System that has put together guidelines for transfer that if met pretty much guarantee admission. Individuals wishing to apply to private or out of state school may wish to seek out the assistance of a counselor to develop a curriculum that meets the transfer requirements of the desired school or schools.

Programs offered include:

• Culinary Arts
• Accounting
• Cosmetology
• Paralegal Technology
• Early Childhood Education

Admissions and Financial Aid

Pulaski Tech is a public two year institution that operates through open enrollment, thus allowing any individual who wishes to enroll to do so through the completion and submission of the application for admission. Students should provide a record of their previous education, including standardized test scored, and may be asked to participate in a placement exam prior to registration. Additionally, participation in student orientation and meeting with an academic advisor are both encourage, the former as it will help adjust to student life and the latter for outlining ones academic responsibilities and curriculum. Registration takes place prior to the start of each semester, and it is recommended students complete and submit all forms and information prior to this, particularly for financial aid.

Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants and scholarships. Students in need of aid must complete the necessary documents and provide their tax information through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the information supplied by which will be used by the school to put together a financial aid package that takes into account financial need, aid program eligibility, and monetary awards. Student must reapply for financial aid prior to each semester, due to changing financial circumstances for individuals and their families from year to year resulting in the possibility of shifting financial needs. Students may also be selected at random to provide additional financial information to the school to cross check with the provided FAFSA in order to verify its accuracy. This measure is taken due to new regulations by the federal government regarding aid.