The State of Ohio and the Ohio Department of Higher Education have awarded Lakeland Community College a Choose Ohio First (COF) grant to provide scholarships to students in the critical field of health care.

More than $440,000 in funding will be divided over five years to support new students, as well as existing COF scholars. The scholarships will be available for eligible associate degree programs at Lakeland that include biotechnology, histotechnology, medical laboratory technology, nursing, occupational therapy assistant, radiologic technology, respiratory therapist, and certificate programs in dental assisting, emergency medical technology-basic/paramedic, medical assisting, medical coding and state tested nursing assistant.

Nationally, health care is projected to account for almost one-third of job growth through 2026, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. In Ohio, health care is the fastest growing job sector.

"We've heard from health care employers that they've had difficulty in hiring enough skilled workers, so it's critical that we increase the number of graduates to meet the growing needs of this employment sector," said Deborah Hardy, Ed.D., dean for health technologies, associate provost for teaching and learning, and dean of faculty. "Lakeland students have cited financial need as a leading reason why they do not enroll in college or why they leave before graduating. We are extremely grateful for this grant to help support these students on their journey to becoming future health care heroes."

About Choose Ohio First
The Choose Ohio First scholarship program began in 2008 in an effort to increase the number of Ohio students enrolling in and successfully completing STEM programs at Ohio's public and independent colleges and universities.

For students seeking more information, please contact Shannon Ogden-Boyd at sogdenboyd1@lakelandcc.edu or 440.525.7480.

By: Jessica Novak