
This multimedia case study focuses on how Lorain Community College’s partnerships have created 218 job opportunities for its students with a 100 percent placement rate.

Audio Summary
In this audio summary, Ian Wilhelm, a Chronicle deputy managing editor, asks about how Lorain County Community College works with employers to develop career-focused academic programs.
The speakers are Kelly Zelesnick, dean of engineering, business, and information technologies, at Lorain; Cindy Kushner, director of school, workforce, and community partnerships at the college; and Jacob Duritsky, vice president of strategy, research, and talent at Team NEO, an economic-development organization that works with Lorain and other institutions in Northeast Ohio.
Zelesnick describes how the community college created an associate degree in microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), which teaches how to work with tiny electronic devices and has a high job placement rate for graduates. Kushner and Duritsky discuss how institutions can collaborate with employers and other regional partners to provide targeted curricula and support students with their career goals.
More details about how Lorain’s work-force efforts can be found in the recording of the virtual event and accompanying case study.

From the Classroom to the Workplace
Lorain County Community College coordinates with local employers to ensure the best opportunities for students
Lia Douglas had big dreams for her career. To realize them, she’d have to think small.
As a student at Lorain County Community College in Ohio, Lia earned an associate degree in microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) — learning how to work with tiny electronic devices. The experience led her to an internship at Intel and a lab assistant role supporting other students.
Lia is not alone; Lorain’s cutting-edge MEMS program has a 100-percent job placement rate. By collaborating with employers and other regional partners to provide targeted curricula and paid internships, the college does its best to see that every student is set up for success.
Download the Case Study to learn more.

Virtual Forum
The Different Voices of Student Success

The Chronicle’s resource center to share insights about improving student outcomes, social mobility, and the reskilling of workers in the higher ed space.