LCCC is one of only three community colleges in the state that can begin offering College Credit Plus access to a wider range of individuals thanks to the newly approved Statewide Innovative Waiver.
Lorain County Community College is one of three community colleges in the state of Ohio that can now begin offering College Credit Plus access to more students thanks to the new approval of the Statewide Innovative Waiver, as announced by Lt. Governor Jim Tressel and Ohio Department of Higher Education Chancellor Mike Duffey. The College Credit Plus program gives high school students the ability to earn college credit while still in high school, and now, with the Statewide Innovative Waiver, more students will be able to partake in the opportunity thanks to the waiving of some of the program’s requirements.
According to an article on Lorain County Community College's website, Marcia J. Ballinger, Ph.D., the college’s president, was quoted as saying, “The approval of the Statewide Innovative Waiver for advanced technologies is an important step in widening the pipeline of talent pursuing high-demand careers in manufacturing and engineering technologies. By expanding College Credit Plus to include career-technical education programs and making this waiver available statewide, Ohio is a leader in unlocking new opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience and earn college credit while still in high school.”
Ballinger added, “This bold move enables colleges and K-12 partners across the state to work together in building direct pathways to in-demand careers. As Ohio’s economy grows in strategic sectors like semiconductors and smart automation, this waiver ensures we are preparing the skilled workforce needed to fuel our state’s future.”
The College Credit Plus program allows high schoolers to simultaneously work toward their high school diploma and earn industry credentials and college credits. The Statewide Innovative Waiver will open this opportunity to even more students by removing barriers to participation in the program like requiring that the student maintains a 3.0 grade point average or can pass placement exams. The waiver was put into place to give more students the opportunity to prepare themselves for careers in industries like advanced manufacturing and engineering technologies.
Chancellor Duffey said, “Ohio’s fastest-growing jobs include engineering technician roles connected to advanced manufacturing. Our Statewide Innovative Waiver opens this opportunity to many more K-12 students who want to get a head start on the jobs of the future.”
In addition to Lorain County Community College, the Statewide Innovative Waiver is also approved for Columbus State Community College and Sinclair Community College.
For more information about Lorain County Community College, visit the school’s website.