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Lorain County Community College (LCCC) is a public, open-access community college located in Lorain County, Ohio. In this way, it is just one of perhaps thousands of community colleges in the United States; in truth, LCCC has differentiated its self from the pack in several innovative ways to become a unique and arguably first among equals community college.

Below is an enumeration of LCCC programs and initiatives which support the five buckets in the NACIE sponsored university commitment letter.

As part of the '''Entrepreneurship Experiential Education Program''', businesses that receive Innovation Fund (IF) grants are provided opportunities for students, faculty and staff to experience firsthand what it’s like to be an entrepreneur. This educational component is a unique feature of the IF funding process.

'''The Materials Joining Institute–Welding Technology''' program confers an associate’s degree, a one-year technical certificate, or a short-term certificate in welding technology. This training prepares graduates for the welding profession which projects a 250,000 deficit in skilled workers in the coming years (American Welding Society).

The Innovation Fund of the LCCC Foundation makes grants to technology business "start-ups" who in return provide opportunities for students, faculty and staff to experience firsthand what it’s like to be an entrepreneur.

Faculty may elect to structure entrepreneurship experiential learning opportunities for students as a practicum or independent study.

*Faculty should seek to give students projects that deliver a highly-focus work-based learning goals combined with theoretical coursework.

 

LCCC does not have a traditional technology transfer office. However, LCCC is a major contributor to coalitions that facilitate technology transfer, and in some cases creation of technological processes, that positively impacts the region’s economy.

In its partnership with '''NorTech''—the Northeast Ohio Technology Coalition'''''—LCCC has taken a leading role in fostering the development of new technology in Northeast Ohio. The coalition focuses on the industries of advanced materials, power, information and communication technology, bioscience and health care, and electronics. NorTech builds on the strengths of the region and propels new technology-based industries into the global economy.

'''Advanced Manufacturing Careers'''—LCCC is one of four community colleges selected nationally to pilot '''''the National Association of Manufacturers''''' (NAM)-endorsed '''''Manufacturing Skills Certification System'''''.

*MAGNET also advocates for manufacturers with local and regional regulatory agencies.

'''The Innovation Alliance''' between LCCC and the University of Akron accelerates education efficiency, knowledge creation, and economic development across all sectors vital to the success of the Northeast Ohio region.

*Are there any unique successes (and or challenges) you may wish to highlight?

Lorain County Community College (LCCC) has earned a reputation as an innovation center due to its various programs and national and regional recognitions. The president of the United States has visited the campus and also instituted a national innovation program that draws inspiration from LCCC Innovation Fund. LCCC has also built innovative alliances with other academic institutions, industry, and industry associations.

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<br/>Source: "The Innovative and Entrepreneurial University: Higher Education, Innovation & Entrepreneurship in Focus", Department of Commerce, October 2013.

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