LCCC among colleges touting commitment to community

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“When times get tough, people look to community colleges to chart a course for a better future. That has always been true in the past, and it’s true today as Northeast Ohio works to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.” — A statement from Marcia Ballinger, Lorain County Community College; Morris W. Beverage Jr., Lakeland Community College; Alex Johnson, Cuyahoga Community College; and Para M. Jones, Stark State College

Presidents of four Northeast Ohio community colleges released a joint statement Aug. 13 that their institutions are still serving their communities during the coronavirus pandemic.

The presidents are Marcia Ballinger, Lorain County Community College; Morris W. Beverage Jr., Lakeland Community College; Alex Johnson, Cuyahoga Community College; and Para M. Jones, Stark State College.

“When times get tough, people look to community colleges to chart a course for a better future,” the presidentswrote.“Thathasalways been true in the past, and it’s true today as Northeast Ohio workstorecoverfromtheCOVID-19 pandemic.

The region’s four community colleges are here to serve you at this critical moment, they wrote.

“Our institutions can help you keep moving forward, even as uncertainty grips daily life,” the statement said. “We have options to meet your needs, whether you’re looking to start college, change careers, improve skills, or adjust plans due to health or financial concerns linked to the coronavirus crisis.”

Tri-C, Lakeland, LCCC and Stark State are committed to keeping tuition affordable and student loan debt low, with scholarships and financial aid packages that may allow you to attend at little to no cost, according to their statement.

“We offer high-quality courses to build a graduate’s resume and eventually secure employment, connecting you to in-demand jobs in our communities,” the presidents said.

Examples of available educational opportunities include:

• Certificates and fasttrack training in programs like business, IT and health care services

• Associate degrees and course credits that easily transfer to four-year schools to apply toward bachelor’s degrees

• Professional development and certifications to update skills

Fall semester courses begin later this month.

Classes will be offered in-person and online, and significant safety measures have been implemented to help our communities prevent the spread of COVID-19, the presidents said.