EC Wisconsin News

Lakeshore College has received a $1.36 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Education to fund its TRIO Student Support Services program for another five years. The college will get $272,364 each year to help improve retention and graduation rates among low-income students, first-generation college students, and students with disabilities.

The TRIO program at Lakeshore College has been in place since 2010, serving over 1,000 students during that time. It offers support services such as academic tutoring, financial aid guidance, career exploration, and mentoring. These services are designed to help students stay in school and complete their degrees or transfer to four-year universities while minimizing debt.

Dr. Paul Carlsen, president of Lakeshore College, said, “This grant allows Lakeshore College to continue to provide critical targeted, holistic support for low-income and first-generation students as well as students with disabilities. The staff members and efforts supported by this funding can be the difference to help our students stay on track, reach their goals and change their lives.”

Lakeshore College enrolls more than 9,000 students annually across several campuses including Cleveland, downtown Manitowoc, and downtown Sheboygan. About 800 students graduate from Lakeshore each year; associate degree graduates report a median salary of $61,355 within six months after graduation.

The college is recognized nationally for its programs and outcomes. Rankings include #2 in the nation by Washington Monthly and #17 by Forbes. WalletHub.com placed it at #20 nationwide among two-year colleges. The Aspen Institute named it a top-150 two-year college; it also won the 2024 Bellwether Award and was recognized as the 2021 Large Business/Industry of the Year by the Chamber of Manitowoc County.

For further information about TRIO Student Support Services at Lakeshore College or other programs offered by the institution, interested parties can contact Teri Sturm at 920-693-1144.