In 2008 our accrediting agency, COE (Council on Occupational
Education) adopted core values that all COE institutions
should hold in
common. COE is the first accrediting agency to establish
values that its membership should demonstrateat all times. This is part of our ongoing pursuit of
excellence in education, student service and employment
outcomes. I am proud to say that ATA has embraced this
ideology along with, community colleges, Job Corp,
private and federal institutions who are accredited by the
Council on Occupational Education. Below I have listed
several but not all the ways that ATA demonstrates its core
values. Our commitment to our students and the quality of
education they receive is part of our mission and can be
demonstrated through these values which we hold dear in
today's unstable economy.
Sincerely
Jo Ferrera-Zakarin President
Trustworthiness
ATA has been a trusted Department of Defense contractor for over a
decade. In that time several thousand students have taken our courses and
to-date we have never received a complaint from military personnel.
ATA is an accredited member of the Council on Occupational Education.
ATA runs background checks on all its employees.
Financial aid officers have demonstrated employment history with ethical
institutions and must participate in ongoing Department of Education
approved training.
Transparency
All costs are included in the price of tuition. There are no "surprise
fees".
All tuition payment options, including Federal Financial Aid, Tuition
Assistance (for active duty service members) and GI Bill are explained
during your initial consultation with an Education Coordinator, not
after you enroll.
All instructors are available to provide technical course information
before a student enrolls.
Accountability
ATA is in full compliance with all federal, state and accreditation
agency standards and laws. There are no violations, findings, probations,
warnings or citations from any of our regulatory agencies. We are proud of
our reputation and work diligently to keep it.
In 2012 The Council on Occupational Education, our accreditor, visited
ATA for reaffirmation of accreditation. The team had no findings,
recommendations or suggestions and 3 Commendations. In 2013 the Council
awarded the maximum allowable accreditation award of 6 years.
Completion and placement statistics are readily available to the public
and meet or exceed federal, state and accrediting agency standards.
Education officers, EDD employees and other officials receive positive
feedback from our students. Our licensing and certification agencies,
such as the FOA (Fiber Optics Association), the Electronics Technicians
Association, National Radio Examiners and others recommend us. We are
organized and responsible—we don't lose your paperwork.
Commitment
Once our student, always our student. Students are welcome to retake
classes, come back for tutoring and refreshers for free for as long as they
like. Our students have been like family to us and stay in touch from around
the globe.
ATA has awarded over $43,000 in scholarships to active duty military
personnel.
ATA and/or its staff are members of the Navy League, California
Association of Private Postsecondary Schools, Association of Private Sector
Colleges and Universities,
California Association of Student Financial Administrators and the National
Defense Industrial Association.
Flexibility
In an ever-changing economy the employment opportunities for graduates
can change as well, depending on the field. ATA will not offer courses or
will suspend courses that are not producing employment outcomes.
Input from our advisory committees, consisting of business, military and
education professionals keep programs updated and relevant.
Sharing
Through our different affiliations, membership and charities, ATA and
its students and graduates give back to the community.
Current students make new students welcome and show them the ropes. The
school welcomes diversity and promotes equality.
A student who fails is a failure on our part. We don't like to fail. We
feel anyone can be successful with the right support and self discipline.
We'll share our knowledge in an environment that is conducive to learning.
Planning
"Life Skills" classes at our El Cajon location are more than resume
writing and interviewing skills. True success is managing your life. Our
students create budgets based on first year earnings. Learn how to repair
credit, manage your student loans online and network in your chosen field.
Techniques in salary negotiations never hurt either, and we promise we make
it all fun!
ATA staff is committed to education beyond our classroom doors. Higher
education planning for our students has evolved over the years. Occupational
education will get you trained and employed quickly. That doesn't have to be
the end. Once you are working you may decide to continue your education. Our
financial aid staff will help you with your questions, concerns and fiscal
planning.
