Lakeland Community College receives $225K KeyBank grant for scholarships
Oct. 11—Lakeland Community College has been awarded a three-year $225,000 grant by KeyBank in support of the school's "Begin the Conversation" initiative, officials recently announced.
According to Lakeland, the initiative is designed to promote a successful higher education experience for prospective students from low-income and minority populations by providing tuition, wrap-around support, mentoring and job training at no financial cost.
Begin the Conversation stemmed from a collaboration of Lake County leaders who came together to address race relations and justice in the county.
The Lakeland Foundation worked with the group to launch a scholarship component during the 2021-22 academic year, with an inaugural class of 14 students.
"At Key, we are dedicated to connecting our neighbors to opportunities that allow them to thrive and this financial support is one of the many ways we can accomplish that. We are so proud to support Lakeland's 'Begin the Conversation' initiative and give students across the region hope for a bright future."
—Mattie Jones Hollowell, KeyBank's Northeast Ohio corporate responsibility officer
The funding provided by KeyBank will allow for 60 new Begin the Conversation students to participate in the program, recruiting 20 new participants each year for the next three years, officials confirmed.
"We know there are a lot of students in our communities who would like to continue their education beyond high school but do not have the financial means to do so," said Greg Sanders, vice president for institutional advancement and executive director of the Lakeland Foundation.
"We appreciate that KeyBank recognizes the importance of this initiative and has awarded us with the funds to expand the program."
Students that are a part of the program must complete the Lakeland Scholarship Application and demonstrate a financial need, according to the school. Once accepted, academic requirements must be met to maintain eligibility.
Students also meet monthly with a staff member who serves as a mentor and provides additional support beyond the classroom.
The Lakeland Foundation estimates that 70 percent of program students will graduate — continuing their education in good standing — or transfer to a four-year college or university.
"The extra support of the program is an important resource for individuals coming from diverse backgrounds and that are first-generation college students," Sanders said. "We've seen our students have great success in the first year and look forward to welcoming new students into the program."
Continuing a longstanding partnership with Lakeland and the foundation, the gift brings KeyBank's total contribution to the college to over $500,000 since 2018.
"For decades Lakeland Community College and the Lakeland Foundation have helped transform the lives of thousands of students throughout Northeast Ohio with their programs," said Mattie Jones Hollowell, KeyBank's Northeast Ohio corporate responsibility officer.
"At Key, we are dedicated to connecting our neighbors to opportunities that allow them to thrive and this financial support is one of the many ways we can accomplish that," she added. "We are so proud to support Lakeland's 'Begin the Conversation' initiative and give students across the region hope for a bright future."
