The 2026-2027 Open Door Grant Program Application Is Open

The 2026-2027 Open Door Grant Program is a financial aid program for students at a Florida College Systems institution to incentivize current and future workers to enroll in career and technical education programs that lead to a credential, certificate, or degree.
This opportunity offers students in eligible programs a maximum award amount equal to 100% of tuition, fees, assessment costs, supplies, not otherwise covered by federal/state grants. This is subject to the availability of funding. Students will be accepted on an on-going basis while funds are available.

Application OPEN For 2026-2027 School Term

Click Here For More Information

Florida First Responders Scholarship Program: Application Open

The Florida First Responders Scholarship Application is now live!

Term 1 Applications accepted through September 30, 2026

Term 2 opens October 1, 2026

Eligible students enrolled in the following programs are encouraged to apply:

• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) – ATD
• Firefighter
• Firefighter/Emergency Medical Technician – Combined

To apply, students should log in to their FOCUS account and go to “Forms” to complete the scholarship application.

Important: The Florida First Responders Scholarship is a last-dollar award, meaning it may cover remaining eligible educational expenses after other grants, scholarships, and financial aid have been applied.

Scholarship awards will be made on a first-come, first-served basis while funding is available. Students are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible.

Apply today and take advantage of this valuable opportunity to support your training as a future first responder!

Click here for Staff and Student Guide

Commitment to Educational Excellence, Student Success, and Florida’s Workforce

Marion Technical College Response to the National Call to Action

Marion Technical College (MTC) recognizes the August 3, 2026 National Call to Action issued by U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon and the August 18, 2026 request from Florida Commissioner of Education Henry Mack, Ed.D., that Florida district postsecondary career centers and technical colleges publicly address the relevant commitments identified in the National Call to Action.

As a public technical college administered by the Marion County Public School District, MTC’s primary mission is to serve the citizens of Marion County by providing relevant, high-quality educational opportunities and positive personal interaction with all who enter our doors. MTC is committed to maintaining public trust through transparent admissions, academic integrity, rigorous instruction, responsible stewardship of public resources, measurable student outcomes, and preparation of students for meaningful employment and continued professional growth.

MTC’s educational programs are designed to prepare students for high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand occupations. MTC’s career and technical programs are aligned with Florida Department of Education curriculum frameworks and lead to industry-recognized certifications and credentials. MTC also works with employers, CareerSource, community organizations, and program advisory committees to ensure that instruction and programs remain responsive to workforce needs.

1. Transparent, Merit-Based Admissions

Marion Technical College is committed to transparent and equitable admissions processes based upon applicable federal and state laws, program requirements, and legitimate academic, technical, professional, and occupational requirements.

MTC publishes admissions information, program prerequisites, age requirements, application procedures, testing requirements, and program-specific requirements so prospective students can understand what is required before enrolling. MTC’s standard application process is publicly available, and program-specific requirements are communicated to applicants through published program information and Student Services.

Admission decisions will be made without illegal preferences or discrimination. Where programs have limited capacity or selective-admission requirements, applicants will be considered according to published criteria applicable to that program.

MTC will continue to make admissions requirements and selection criteria clear, accessible, and understandable to prospective students and will regularly review admissions procedures to promote transparency and consistency.

2. Free Inquiry, Viewpoint Diversity, and Protection of the Educational Environment

MTC recognizes that students benefit from an educational environment in which they may ask questions, express ideas, respectfully disagree, and consider differing viewpoints.

MTC’s Student Handbook expressly recognizes students’ rights to express viewpoints through speaking and writing and to assemble peacefully, while also establishing responsibilities to respect the rights of others and to avoid conduct that interferes with the orderly educational process.

MTC will protect lawful expression and respectful inquiry while maintaining policies necessary to prevent harassment, bullying, threats, intimidation, violence, discrimination, and other conduct that substantially disrupts the educational environment or threatens the safety and rights of others.

MTC will not permit harassment, intimidation, or disruption to prevent students, faculty, or staff from participating in the educational process. Reports of bullying or harassment will be addressed through established MTC and Marion County Public Schools procedures.

MTC’s goal is an educational environment in which students can learn, instructors can teach, and members of the college community can engage respectfully and productively.

3. Intellectual Pluralism in Curriculum and Hiring

MTC is committed to an educational environment that encourages professional discussion, critical thinking, problem-solving, and consideration of differing perspectives appropriate to the subject and occupational field being taught.

MTC’s career and technical curriculum is grounded in Florida Department of Education curriculum frameworks, occupational competencies, industry standards, professional requirements, certification requirements, and the needs of employers. Program advisory committees provide opportunities for industry and community representatives to offer constructive feedback regarding curriculum, equipment, training, and workforce preparation.

MTC will continue to select and retain instructors and staff based upon qualifications, professional expertise, experience, performance, and the requirements of the position, consistent with applicable law and Marion County Public Schools policies.

MTC will support instructors in using research-based teaching practices and current occupational knowledge while maintaining an environment in which students are encouraged to think critically, evaluate information, solve problems, and understand differing perspectives relevant to their education and future professions.

4. Affordability, Cost Discipline, Pricing Transparency, and Measurable Student Outcomes

MTC is committed to providing high-quality technical education at an affordable cost while responsibly managing public resources.

MTC publishes tuition, fees, and program cost information and provides financial aid and scholarship resources to help students understand and manage the cost of their education. MTC also provides access to a Net Price Calculator and publishes program-specific cost information.

MTC will continue to pursue cost-effective educational delivery while maintaining the equipment, facilities, instructional resources, and qualified faculty necessary to provide students with meaningful occupational training.

Student success will be measured by outcomes that matter to students, employers, and the community. MTC’s current strategic plan establishes measurable goals to:

• Increase overall successful completion rates;
• Increase industry certification and licensure attainment;
• Increase graduate placement rates;
• Establish additional employer relationships;
• Improve tracking of graduate employment;
• Provide students with résumé, job-search, and interview preparation; and
• Develop programs that respond to regional occupational demand and provide viable employment pathways.

MTC currently publishes institutional measures including completion, licensure, and placement rates and will continue to monitor and communicate measurable student outcomes.

MTC’s commitment is not simply to enroll students, but to help students complete their programs, earn industry-recognized credentials, and successfully enter the workforce.

5. Academic Rigor, Honest Assessment, Grade Integrity, and Artificial Intelligence

MTC is committed to maintaining rigorous academic and occupational standards and ensuring that credentials awarded by the college represent genuine student achievement.

MTC’s career and technical programs are based upon established Florida Department of Education curriculum frameworks, state performance standards, occupational competencies, and, where applicable, professional licensure and industry certification requirements. Students must satisfy established academic, attendance, competency, and program requirements to successfully complete their programs.

MTC’s Student Handbook establishes expectations for academic honesty and prohibits cheating and plagiarism. Students are expected to submit work that represents their own achievement and to maintain the academic standards established by their programs.

MTC will continue to protect the integrity of assessment in an environment in which artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies are increasingly available. Faculty will communicate expectations regarding appropriate and inappropriate uses of artificial intelligence in coursework and assessment consistent with institutional, district, state, and program requirements.

When appropriate, MTC will emphasize demonstrations of actual skill and competency through hands-on laboratory work, practical examinations, clinical experiences, supervised assessments, performance demonstrations, and other forms of direct evaluation. Artificial intelligence or other technology will not replace the demonstration of competencies that students are required to master for graduation, certification, licensure, or employment.

MTC will continue to provide professional learning and resources that assist instructors in adapting instruction and assessment to emerging technologies while maintaining academic integrity and meaningful evaluation of student learning.

6. Prioritization of American Students and Florida’s Workforce Needs

Marion Technical College’s public mission is centered on serving the citizens of Marion County and preparing students for successful participation in Florida’s workforce.

MTC provides education and training in high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand career fields and works with local employers, CareerSource, community organizations, and the Florida Department of Education to identify workforce needs and develop viable employment pathways.

MTC’s Strategic Plan specifically calls for the development and expansion of programs that meet regional and occupational demand and for continued collaboration with CareerSource, the College of Central Florida/CEP community, and the Florida Department of Education in identifying career programs that provide viable employment opportunities for students.

MTC will continue to prioritize programs and educational opportunities that address Florida’s critical workforce needs, strengthen local and regional economies, and provide students with skills that lead to meaningful employment and career advancement.

MTC will administer admissions, financial aid, educational programs, and student services in accordance with applicable federal and state law while maintaining its focus on the educational and workforce needs of Marion County and the State of Florida.

MTC’s Continuing Commitment

Marion Technical College believes that public confidence is earned through results, accountability, transparency, and service.

MTC will continue to:

1. Provide transparent admissions and program information;
2. Maintain a safe and respectful environment that protects lawful expression and the educational process;
3. Support professional and intellectual diversity appropriate to technical and occupational education;
4. Maintain affordable educational opportunities and responsible fiscal practices;
5. Measure and improve completion, credential attainment, licensure, and employment outcomes;
6. Maintain rigorous academic and occupational standards;
7. Protect academic integrity as technology and artificial intelligence evolve;
8. Maintain strong partnerships with employers and workforce organizations;
9. Develop programs in response to documented regional and state workforce needs; and
10. Prepare students with the technical, professional, and employability skills necessary to succeed in Florida’s workforce.

Through these commitments, Marion Technical College will continue to fulfill its mission of providing relevant, high-quality educational opportunities and preparing students for a better tomorrow.

Marion Technical College
1014 SW 7th Road
Ocala, Florida 34471
352-671-7200

At Marion Technical College, there are more than 23 career certificate programs offered. Read about each one by following the link below.

CLICK HERE FOR MTC PROGRAM INFO

Have you decided on a program of interest? Follow the steps to enrollment below!

• Step 1

Check to see when the next start date is for your program of interest – Programs and Classes

Complete & Submit Online Application.  Pay $20 non-refundable application fee. (Veteran’s are exempt from application fee) Please check age requirements before applying at https://mariontc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Program-Schedule-Age-Requirements.pdf

• Step 2

You will receive an email with the next steps in the application process. Return the forms emailed to you to the Student Services Department at the MTC main campus.

Bring your driver’s license and another form of identification proving you have been a Florida resident for the past 12 months. Social Security not required for enrollment.

• Step 3

Complete FAFSA application – www.fafsa.gov

MTC school code: 031039 

• Step 4

You will receive an acceptance email from the program department. Once officially accepted into the program, you will receive notification from the Financial Aid department regarding funding options.

• Step 5

You will be notified of a SOAR (Student Official Academic Registration)date. At that time you will sign financial aid documents and pay any fees owed.

Have Questions? Contact Student Services. We are happy to walk you through the application process over the phone or in person. No appointment needed!

Call Student Services: (352) 671-4134

Office Hours:

Monday 7:30am – 5:00pm | Tuesday 7:30am – 5:00pm | Wednesday 7:30am – 5:00pm | Thursday 7:30am – 5:00pm | Friday 7:30am – 12:00pm

Apply NOW

Ready to earn your GED? Do you want to learn English? Follow the steps to enrollment below!

• Step 1

Complete your application and submit paperwork.

• Step 2

Bring your photo ID or Passport and social security card, if applicable.

• Step 3

Pay your fees.

• Step 4

Schedule your initial testing for placement into the right class for you!

Questions? Our AGE Department is here to guide you. Visit us on campus Monday – Friday. Let us help you prepare for enrollment!

Contact the GED/ESOL Department: 352-671-4133

Office Hours:

Monday 7:30am – 7:00pm | Tuesday 7:30am – 7:00pm | Wednesday 7:30am – 5:00pm | Thursday 7:30am – 5:00pm | Friday 7:30am – 12:00pm

Information

2026/2027 State Funding Available to Eligible Students

*Eligible MTC programs listed within the applications.

Florida First Responders Scholarship Program: Application Open

To apply, eligible students should log in to their FOCUS account and go to “Forms” to complete the scholarship application.

Term 1 Applications accepted through September 30, 2026

Term 2 opens October 1, 2026

Click here for Staff and Student Guide

Open Door Grant: Application Open

The 2026-2027 Open Door Grant Program is a financial aid program for students at a Florida College Systems institution to incentivize current and future workers to enroll in career and technical education programs that lead to a credential, certificate, or degree.
This opportunity offers students in eligible programs a maximum award amount equal to 100% of tuition, fees, assessment costs, supplies, not otherwise covered by federal/state grants. This is subject to the availability of funding. Students will be accepted on an on-going basis while funds are available.

Application OPEN For 2026-2027 School Term

Click Here For More Information

Recommended for ALL Students, regardless of Program:

Complete a FAFSA application for the appropriate school year – www.fafsa.gov

MTC school code: 031039