The partnership will create a pipeline of skilled individuals to take roles in the region’s technology workforce.

The grant comes from the Educating Character Initiative of the Program for Leadership and Character at Wake Forest University.

The partnership will allow Lorain County Community College to participate in the Back on Track initiative, which seeks to provide increased access and resources for adult learners.

The college has recently expanded its existing Coshocton County Promise and Knox County Promise programs, and has instituted a new Licking County Promise program.

The funding, which comes from both an endowment and a grant, will help expand access to the university’s mobile health services.

Through a partnership with Northern Michigan University and the Michigan Educator Workforce Initiative, Washtenaw Community College is the only community college participating in the MiEarly Apprentice program.

Central Michigan University has expanded its Central Bound program, giving Kirtland Community College students the ability to prepare for Central while still attending Kirtland Community College.

Construction is set to begin in May 2026 and is expected to wrap up in time for the Fall 2027 semester.

The $20,000 grant will support the implementation of a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan in the university’s campus.

The new programs have been added to the university’s roster of offerings to help address regional workforce needs.