Lorain County JVS program links with LCCC

The Lorain County JVS has an initiative with Lorain County Community College that gives students an opportunity to earn a year’s worth of college credits, or about 30 credit hours, from the college which goes toward an associate degree while still in high school.

Glenn Faircloth, superintendent of JVS and Dr. Marcia Ballinger, president of LCCC, will announce the Career & College Advantage, CCA, program at 11 a.m., Oct. 17, at Lorain County JVS, 15181 state Route 58 in Oberlin, according to a news release.

“Lorain County Community College is thrilled to provide Lorain County JVS students with a pathway to a year’s worth of college credits — at no cost to their families,” Ballinger said. “The Career & College Advantage program is a great option for students and provides a direct connection to internships and employment with local companies.”

The advantage program embeds college credits through LCCC’s College Credit Plus program along with articulation agreements with LCCC and the state of Ohio, the release said.

“The partnership with LCCC is yet another opportunity for students who are interested in getting a head start as they transition into post education after high school,” Faircloth said. “Financially, JVS families can save $5,000 or more in college costs, which will be very helpful to so many of our students who are in need.”

The partnership launches with four JVS programs including: computerized design and drafting, culinary arts, network communication technology and project lead the way – engineering.

In eight additional program pathways students can earn a full semesters worth of credits or more in allied health sciences, bakery and pastry, carpentry, education, heating and air conditioning, precision machine technology, sports, health and fitness and welding.

Classes are held on the JVS and LCCC campuses.

Ballinger said some of the employers who hire LCCC graduates offer tuition assistance to pay for the balance of their associate degree while the students are working and earning at their place of employment.

LCCC and JVS are working to expand the advantage program to have every JVS career pathway connected to College Credit Plus with the opportunity for students to earn at least 30 college credits in every program, the release said.

“We are excited to expand upon our strong partnership and offer this innovative approach to higher education for our community — programs like CCA have the potential to be game — changers for our entire county,” Ballinger said.