Lakeland Community College’s Information Technology & Computer Science (IT&CS) program has been awarded the 2025 Collaborative Partner of the Year by Goodwill Industries of Greater Cleveland & East Central Ohio. The award recognizes an outstanding organization that has provided valuable outreach and services to the community and exemplified the spirit of collaboration.

The award specifically honors the partnership between Lakeland’s IT&CS program and Goodwill for their joint effort in hosting the Computer Basics Workshop. This free, week-long program provided foundational skills in essential areas, including the Windows Operating System, Google Suite, Microsoft Word and Excel basics, and general computer hardware knowledge, empowering community members with the digital literacy needed for today’s job market.

The collaboration leveraged both organizations: Lakeland provided state-of-the-art facilities and a commitment to workforce development, while Goodwill provided instruction to participants looking to enhance their existing skills.

“Receiving the Collaborative Partner of the Year award from Goodwill is a true testament to the dedication of our faculty and staff in the IT&CS department,” said Sunil Ahuja, Ph.D., President of Lakeland Community College. “This partnership embodies Lakeland’s mission to serve as a catalyst for community success. When we collaborate with organizations like Goodwill, we can effectively bridge the digital divide and provide tangible skills that lead directly to meaningful career opportunities for our residents.”

The Computer Basics Workshop offered multiple sessions throughout the summer, serving students and community members looking for career paths in Information Technology.

By: Levi Rex, Asst Director Market & Communi