In its inaugural year, Lakeland Community College’s “Begin the Conversation” initiative saw success among participants with 11 of the 12 students in the first cohort continuing in the program, school officials have announced.
Made possible by funding from the Lakeland Foundation and a three-year grant from KeyBank, Begin the Conversation is designed to promote a successful higher education experience for prospective students from low-income and minority populations by providing tuition, wraparound support, mentoring and job training at no cost to the students.
The program stems from a collaboration of Lake County leaders seeking to address race relations and justice in Lake County.
The Lakeland Foundation worked with the group to create Begin the Conversation, officials noted.
“Throughout the year, our staff worked closely with students offering support and serving as mentors,” said Mario Petitti Jr., associate provost for student affairs and dean of students. “We know the support services Lakeland offers have an impact on the success of students — this program was designed with this in mind, and we are happy to see such positive results from this cohort.”
During the 2022-23 academic year, students earned a total of 162 credit hours and on average achieved a 3.29 grade-point average.
Four students in the cohort earned a 4.0 GPA, the school confirmed.
Outside the classroom, program students are actively involved on campus as student-athletes, ambassadors, alternative spring break participants and members of the honor program, Hispanic club and more, officials noted.
“Seeing these outcomes after year one is wonderful,” said Stephanie Brown, associate provost for institutional research and college registrar. “We are extremely proud of the students in the program and look forward to continuing to work with them to reach their goals.”
One of those students, Trinity Milan, joined the cohort earlier this year and made the dean’s list. She credits her success to the support and mentoring she received through the program.
Milan, working toward an associate degree, plans to eventually transfer and complete her bachelor’s degree in library science.
Financially, the grant has allowed the Painesville resident to pursue her dreams.
“Without it, I don’t know if I would make it through another semester,” Milan said. “There are so many support systems and people offering to help, so I tell others not to give up on their dreams if they really want to go to school and be whatever they want to be. You’re going to do great.”
The second Begin the Conversation cohort, made up of 19 students, is underway. The next cohort begins next fall.
For more information about the program, visit www.lakelandcc.edu.
