Stephany Barhorst

Lorain County Community College's 'THRIVE 2035' is a vision to deliver 35,000 more degrees and credentials of value by 2035 to advance economic mobility and foster a thriving economy and community. The plan outlines six key focus areas: transforming lives through career-connected learning, harnessing opportunities for working adults, raising educational attainment and economic mobility, igniting economic growth, valuing community partnerships, and empowering future-ready learners. This initiative aims to position the community among Ohio's most rapidly advancing regions, recognized for driving economic mobility, growth, and vibrancy, by ensuring a significant portion of residents hold valuable credentials by 2035.

Lorain County Community College's strategic plan focuses on student success through five key areas: student-focused, success-focused, future-focused, work-focused, and community-focused. The plan aims to improve student access to higher education, ensure equitable outcomes, and facilitate seamless transfer to four-year universities. Key initiatives include the Career by Design program, an Assigned Advisor Model, Program and Career Pathways, the University Partnership, Accelerated Pathways, Prior Learning Assessment, Fast-Track programs, and innovative learning experiences. The college also provides extensive support services, such as the Advocacy and Resource Center (ARC), to help students achieve their academic and career goals.

The Lorain County Community College's Vision 2025 refreshed strategic plan focuses on five key areas: student-focused expansion of participation and completion rates; increasing academic success through innovative pathways and holistic support; fostering future success through career pathways, experiential learning, and regional workforce development; improving economic competitiveness by aligning academic programs with regional talent needs and developing core capabilities in semiconductors and aerospace; and enhancing community quality of life through partnerships and enriching experiences. The plan aims to achieve 10,000 degrees/credentials awarded by 2025, improve three-year completion rates, and strengthen the regional economy by addressing workforce needs and equity gaps. Specific initiatives include expanding dual enrollment programs, developing fast-track programs, creating university partnerships, implementing earn-and-learn models, and building strong community collaborations.