As a way to give back to the community, Lakeland Community College will host a Free College Day Saturday, Feb. 4, 2017, at its off-site facility located at 201 Water Tower Dr., Madison, Ohio. Doors open at 8 a.m.

Historically, Free College Day has been held on the college’s main campus in Kirtland. This year, with the school’s recent approval from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) to offer full Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees at the Madison location, the college is taking the show on the road.

“Since the HLC approval we have seen increases in the number of students taking courses at our Lakeland East facility, and are happy to give back to those in the Madison and surrounding areas,” said Kristina Willey, Lakeland’s director for off-site facilities. “We are also hoping this event brings others out to Lakeland East who might be looking to earn a degree close to home, while saving thousands.”

One class offered at Free College Day will focus on the benefits of an associate degree. Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees are typically pursued by students intending to transfer to a four-year institution for completion of a Bachelor of Arts or Science degree.

“Lakeland’s tuition is about one-third the cost of most four-year schools and credits transfer seamlessly, making it an affordable choice for students with these degree goals,” Willey added.

Free College Day is set up in three sessions. Each session begins on the hour at 9, 10 and 11 a.m. Classes are 45 minutes long and each session offers a choice of seven classes. The event features a total of 15 noncredit classes that are free and open to the public for the day.

Several classes speak to traditional students transitioning from high school to college, as well as current students assessing majors and college success. These groups can learn about financial aid, career exploration, the benefits of an associate degree, and habits of successful college students.

For those who are interested in learning, or sharpening computer skills, a computer basics class will be offered as well as an Excel basics class.

There will also be a resume and cover letter writing workshop and a class focused on workplace etiquette.

Those interested in the medical field will have a number of options to choose from available through Lakeland’s Health Technologies Division, including an EMT/paramedic class; histotechnology, including a sample demonstration; and medical assisting. A veterinary assistant class will also be offered by Lakeland’s Continuing Education Department, complete with some furry friends!

In addition, the event offers an information session for Lakeland’s College Credit Plus (CCP) program. CCP offers high school students the opportunity to enroll at Lakeland on a part-time or full-time basis, and earn college credit which may also be used to fulfill their high school graduation requirements.

Participants will receive drawstring backpacks, while supplies last. There will be door prizes, a resource room and a free lunch served at noon. In addition, the Madison Library will conduct a session on utilizing local library resources and a representative will be available to answer questions.

For a list of class times and activities, and to register visit, lakelandcc.edu/east. Seating is limited, and classes are subject to change.

About Lakeland Free College Day

Lakeland President Dr. Morris W. Beverage Jr. began Lakeland's Free College Day in 2002 (then known as Lakeland Pride Day) as a way to thank the community for its support and to offer an open opportunity for all to see what’s available at the college. Lakeland's Free College Day classes are sample classes that do not count toward college credit but will provide participants with valuable information.

Lakeland East is located on Water Tower Dr. in Madison, off Route 528 just north of I-90.For more information, call 440.525.7411.

By: Tracy Shook, Dir for Mktg -Communications