Lakeland at Paradigm rendering

In an exciting development unveiled during the recent Mentor State of the Schools event,Mentor Schools, in collaboration with Lakeland Community College and Lake County Commissioners,proudly announce the launch of "Lakeland at Paradigm" for the upcoming Fall 2024 semester. Thisinnovative initiative underscores our shared commitment to elevating educational and workforceopportunities across Northeast Ohio.

The collaboration is designed to enrich educational opportunities by expanding the array of CollegeCredit Plus (CCP) courses available at our Mentor High campus. The curriculum expansionencompasses a diverse range of courses, including Composition 1, Composition 2, Basic Economics,College Algebra, U.S. National Government, Psychology, Trigonometry, and Effective Public Speaking.

Dr. Morris Beverage Jr., President of Lakeland Community College, expressed his enthusiasm, stating,"Lakeland at Paradigm marks a significant step forward in our commitment to accessible and qualityeducation. We are excited to contribute to the growth and development of students in Northeast Ohio."

Craig Heath, Superintendent of Mentor Schools, emphasized, "By removing barriers such astransportation and minimizing travel time commitments, our goal is to enhance access to college coursesfor students while keeping costs minimal for families."

This initiative builds upon a recent successful collaboration among the three organizations, resulting inthe integration of College Credit Plus courses into six Career Technical Education (CTE) programs atMentor Schools. The new College Credit Plus Career Technical Education (CCP CTE) programs coverIT, Construction, Health Care, Manufacturing, Public Safety, and Business Administration, fosteringvaluable connections between academics and real-world learning. In January, over 100 additionalstudents became Lakeland Community College students and enrolled in CCP CTE through the MentorCareer Technical Education Program.

Dr. Joe Glavan, Director of Workforce Development, remarked, "The integration of College Credit Plus into our Career Technical Education programs and now the expansion of Lakeland at Paradigm continues to demonstrate our commitment to our students, broadening educational horizons, and reinforcing our dedication to providing diverse pathways for success."

Dr. Jennifer Collis, Associate Provost for Strategic Educational Programs and Retention, added,"Lakeland at Paradigm embodies our commitment to meeting the diverse needs of families andproviding multiple options for college accessibility. This initiative aligns with our mission to enhanceeducational opportunities effectively and conveniently."

This announcement follows a remarkable almost 60% increase in College Credit Plus enrollment atMentor Schools over the past two years, reflecting a growing demand for expanded educational options.Lakeland at Paradigm is poised to further expand college access for all students, offering increasedflexibility through Mentor High Campus, Lakeland's online platform, or Lakeland Community College'smain campus located just 6 miles from Mentor High.

By: Tracy Shook, Sr .Dir. for Marketing & Comm.