Access and Success for Students
Message from CLC President Dr. Lori Suddick
Scholarships for North Chicago graduates pay for more than tuition
College of Lake County aspires to be a leader in providing innovative education and workforce solutions. At CLC, we believe every student can succeed in the right environment with the right supports. We are ensuring holistic supports are available to help students succeed in and out of the classroom. After all, starting college is not the goal— finishing is! Over the past year, we prioritized several key initiatives of the 2024 Strategic Plan to support improved outcomes for students. Efforts included a redesign of the onboarding and first-year experience, to ensure every student has the college-going knowledge to successfully navigate their first semester, and implementation of affordability initiatives, to reduce the time and cost needed to complete a degree. These initiatives benefit students in numerous ways, including an average annual savings of $1.5 million in textbooks and learning materials, increased access to emergency funds, more laptops and hotspots loaned at no cost and a freeze on tuition and fees for academic year 2021-2022. Every CLC employee is focused on creating an environment where students feel supported, challenged and empowered to achieve their academic, personal and
Inaugural Warhawk Lancer Scholars receive support for successful first year at CLC
career goals so they can either transfer to the university of their choice or begin a rewarding, family-sustaining career. In May, nearly 3,000 students completed their credential at CLC. Earning a degree during a pandemic took resilience and unwavering commitment. These graduates learned in new ways, managed change and adapted to the moment. Their pandemic-related skills are assets as they embark on the next stage of their life journey. CLC is adapting and changing as well. Beyond the student success efforts of the 2024 Strategic Plan, the college is leveraging collaborative partnerships with community organizations, businesses from every sector and local government agencies to expand programming, resources and opportunities across the diverse communities of Lake County.
Like many high school students, North Chicago Community High
“We know that our students, many who are first-generation college
School graduate Cynric Lance Miaco knew college was the next step
students, need more than free tuition and a laptop, so these scholars
but didn’t know how he was going to afford it.
also receive additional stipends to pay for transportation and other living expenses, allowing them to focus more of their attention on coursework,”
Miaco was among the first graduates of NCCHS Class of 2020 selected
said Price. “Combined with College of Lake County’s academic and
for the Warhawk Lancer Scholars last year. His education at College
career coaching, our students have a greater chance at confronting
of Lake County is paid for and he received a stipend to help pay for
barriers to success and achieving their goals.”
additional course materials and living expenses. Funded by generous donors of the North Chicago Public Education Fund, these scholarships
This program enables each graduate to write their own story of success
made the dream of free college a reality for six outstanding young people.
by providing the support necessary for each student to be successful in college. As students complete their first year at CLC, the college looks
“With this scholarship, I was able to be a full-time student without having to work,” said Miaco. “This allows me to focus more on my studies and not think much about finances.” He is studying nursing to get a transfer degree and attend Loyola University.
I hope you enjoy this first issue of CLC Connects. The stories highlight some of the amazing contributions of staff, faculty and students, as well as community
Announced in January 2020, North Chicago School District 187
and workforce partners, working together to move Lake County forward.
Superintendent John Price embraced the initiative to remove cost as the barrier to a higher education. This innovative partnership with CLC is a last dollar scholarship, paying for any remaining balance after a student’s financial aid is applied to their bill. It includes tuition, fees and course materials.
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CLC CONNECTS
forward to welcoming more Warhawk Lancer Scholars.
Lancer Summer Start Program Starting this summer, new students can begin working on their College Success Seminar and pre-credit requirements for math and English before the fall semester begins – for free. Tuition, fees and course materials are covered 100 percent so students can earn college credits sooner, progressing to degree completion more quickly. www.clcillinois.edu/summerstart
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