The program is designed to promote a successful higher education experience for prospective students from low-income and minority populations

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / November 7, 2023 / KeyBank / In its inaugural year, Lakeland Community College's Begin the Conversation (BTC) program saw success among participants with 11 of the 12 students in the first cohort continuing in the program.

Made possible by funding from The Lakeland Foundation and a $225,000 grant from KeyBank, BTC is an initiative 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 financial cost to the students. The initiative stemmed from a collaboration of Lake County leaders who came together to address race relations and justice in their communities.

"Throughout the year, our staff worked closely with BTC students offering support and serving as mentors," explained Lakeland associate provost for student affairs and dean of students Mario Petitti Jr. "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."

Students participating in the BTC program during the 2022-2023 academic year earned a total of 162 credit hours and on average achieved a 3.29 grade-point average (GPA). Four students in the cohort earned a 4.0 GPA.

Outside the classroom, BTC students are actively involved on campus as student athletes, ambassadors, alternative spring break participants, members of the honor program, Hispanic club and more.

"We are thrilled to see such positive results in the first year of BTC," said Kelly Lamirand, KeyBank Cleveland Market President. "This program is helping to transform the lives of students throughout Northeast Ohio, and we are proud to continue our support of Lakeland Community College."

The second BTC cohort, made up of 19 students, is currently underway. The next cohort begins fall 2024.

Read more about KeyBank's support of Lakeland Community College:

Lakeland's Begin the Conversation program proves effective in year one | Lakeland Community College

Lakeland Community College's Begin the Conversation program ‘proves effective' in year one | The News-Herald

Remote Learning Concierge Program Helps Online Students at Lakeland Community College | Spectrum News

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SOURCE: KeyBank