What Is It Known For?
Ben Franklin Career Center is known for its hands-on, practical training that prepares students for successful careers in technical and vocational fields. Established during the 1971-1972 school year under Kanawha County Schools, the center was created to deliver high-quality technical training. The first graduating class was in 1973, marking the beginning of its dedication to equipping students with real-world skills.
Today, Ben Franklin Career Center serves a diverse student body, offering programs that meet the needs of both high school students and adult learners.
Degrees & Certifications
Ben Franklin Career Center offers a wide range of certification and diploma programs for adult learners and high school students.
Adult programs include:
- Certified Welder
- Commercial Driving
- Electrical Technician
- HVAC Technician
- Phlebotomy Technician
- Practical Nursing
For high school students, the center offers programs in fields such as:
- Automotive Technology
- Diesel Equipment Technology
- Machine Tool Technology
- HVAC Technician
- Medical Assisting
- Pre-Nursing
Class Schedules
The center offers flexible class schedules to accommodate different student needs. Classes are primarily held during the daytime, with some programs offering evening sessions. Instruction is in-person, emphasizing practical, hands-on experience. Many programs include externships or clinical experiences, giving students real-world exposure before graduation.
Is It Legit?
Yes, Ben Franklin Career Center is a legitimate educational institution operated by Kanawha County Schools. The center’s adult programs are accredited by the Council on Occupational Education and approved by the West Virginia Department of Education, confirming its commitment to providing quality, industry-recognized training.
Acceptance Rate
BFCC has an open enrollment policy for many programs, making it accessible to students who meet program prerequisites. Seats may be limited, so applying early is recommended.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
Tuition costs for Ben Franklin Career Center’s programs vary by course, typically ranging from $1,000 to $10,000. To get a personalized estimate, prospective students can use the school’s Net Price Calculator.
Programs & Courses
Criminal Justice & Law
- Law and Public Safety
Healthcare
- Medical Assisting
- Therapeutic Services
- Phlebotomy Technician
- Practical Nursing
Education
- Early Childhood Classroom Assistant Teacher
Professional Services
- Pet Grooming
Skilled Trades
- Automotive Technology
- Carpentry
- Diesel Equipment Technology
- Electrical Technician
- HVAC Technician
- Machine Tool Technology
- Manufacturing Production & Design
- Certified Welder
- Commercial Driving
Technology
- Coding App & Game Design
- Computer Systems Repair Technology
Campus Locations
Dunbar 500 28th Street, Dunbar, WV 25064
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews, Ben Franklin Career Center has a strong and consistently positive reputation, particularly for its CDL program and other technical trades. The feedback is largely favorable, but a few isolated criticisms exist, including some very serious claims.
Overall Score: 4.4/5 Stars
Common Praises
Exceptional Instructors: The most frequent praise is for instructors, particularly one in the CDL program, who are described as caring, knowledgeable, and dedicated to their students’ success. Students feel these instructors are not just teachers but also mentors who provide guidance beyond the curriculum.
Effective Career Preparation: Many reviewers, including graduates, report that the school effectively prepares them for their careers. For example, former students in the CDL and Electrician programs state that they were able to secure jobs immediately after graduation and still use the skills taught in their classes.
Supportive Environment: Reviewers consistently describe the teachers and students as nice and the environment as supportive and welcoming. The school is praised for making students feel like they have a great chance to succeed.
Affordable and Accessible Programs: The school is noted for being a cheaper option for CDL and other programs, and also for having plenty of ways to pay for the programs besides out of pocket.
Common Criticisms
Racial Discrimination: A single but very serious review accuses the school of being a “school of racism.” While this is an outlier, it represents a significant and highly negative piece of feedback.
Inconsistent Class Quality: Some reviewers report very negative experiences in specific classes. For example, one former student describes a small engine repair class as a “waste of money,” with no proper instruction from the teacher. Another review makes a serious claim of sexism, alleging that female students were not treated with equality.
Lack of Proper Supplies and Equipment: Some students have complained about not being supplied with proper safety equipment and the lack of certain practice materials in classes.
Historical Issues: A very old review mentions a teacher from the 1990s who was fired for embezzlement, suggesting a historical issue with staff integrity, though this is not a recent complaint.
Momentum
Based on reviews in Google, the momentum for the school is positive, with several recent 5-star reviews specifically praising the CDL program and its instructors. The school’s owner is also very active and responsive, thanking reviewers for their positive feedback and attempting to address negative feedback by inviting the reviewer to contact them directly. While a few isolated negative reviews exist, they do not appear to be part of a broader, sustained trend.