Press Release
Posted October 4, 2022

Lorain County Community College and the City of Oberlin have partnered to provide free short-term certificate programs to city residents. The new Oberlin Social Equity and Skill Development Promise offers 16- and 32-week academic programs focused on in-demand fields like information technology, cyber security, advanced manufacturing and healthcare. Students can also train within LCCC’s micro-electronic manufacturing program that supports the microchip and semiconductor industry being built in Ohio.

“While this program is designed for adults who are looking to train quickly to advance their career, or retrain for a new, in-demand job, it also works well for recent high school graduates who need a skill to get on a career path” said Cindy Kushner, LCCC’s director of school and community partnerships.

The Oberlin Social Equity and Skill Development Program leverages LCCC’s FastTrack to Employment program. The program’s short-term certificates build into associate degrees that are aligned with in-demand, local jobs.

The program also includes an Earn and Learn component in which students earn a living wage in the industry while completing the coursework. Students prepare for and make these connections through dedicated academic and career coaching. Of the students in LCCC’s Fast Track to Employment program, more than half continue their pathway after the first semester.

“The Earn and Learn model built into these short-term training programs provide ways for students to get a foot in the door of an industry and begin on a path of advancement,” Kushner said. “Some people want to earn while they learn, and others need to. It’s ideal for both.”

Attend an information session at the Oberlin Public Library, 65 South Main Street, to learn more about the Oberlin Social Equity and Skill Development Program.

• Friday, October 14 at 12 p.m.
• Tuesday, October 18 at 6 p.m.

Learn more or register for an information session. Contact information is: (440) 366-4856 or workforce@lorainccc.edu.