Lakeshore Technical College (LTC) Introduction and Academics

Introduction

Lakeshore Technical College (LTC) was founded in 1967 and was then known as the Lakeshore Technical Institute. Located in Cleveland, Wisconsin, the college is part of Wisconsin’s system of technical colleges that includes 15 other schools. Apart from the main campus in Cleveland, LTC has additional learning centers in Manitoc and Sheboygan and several area high schools. In addition, the college operates over 30 distance learning centers.

While LTC endeavors to serve students in as many diverse places as possible, the majority of its students come from local communities and, since the college works closely with local employers, most of its graduates (over 70%) are absorbed by local industries.

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Information Summary

Ranks 36th in Wisconsin and 1704th overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	69.5
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$6,207
Admission Success rate	N/A
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	6 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	59% / 58%
Enrollment Total (all students)	2,963

Academics

LTC offers associate degrees, certificates and apprenticeships in very diverse areas of study. Areas covered by the college’s associate degree programs include accounting, business management, culinary arts, dental science, early childhood education, graphic and web design, medical transcription, nursing, nuclear technology and various pharmacy programs.

Associate degrees awarded by the college enable students to either transfer to a four-year college or university or to enter the job market immediately. The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in business management offered by the institution is one example. Holders of this degree could transfer or opt for immediate employment as the degree imparts skills in accounting, business management, problem solving, human resource management and law among others. With such skills, holders of this degree can join employment as entry-level managers. Moreover, such graduates could opt for self-employment.

The range of certificate courses offered by LTC is equally diverse and covers areas such as customer service, global positioning systems, health care, hospitality management, information technology, supply chain management, web development and radiation safety among others.

Some of the certificate courses can be completed in periods as short as one semester. Students seeking a certificate in human resource administration fundamentals, for example, are awarded the certificate in two semesters (during which they are required to obtain 19 credits). Those who wish to upgrade to the advanced certificate only need to enroll for two more semesters and to obtain an additional 18 credits.

Apprenticeships offered by LTC include carpentry, masonry, plumbing, sheet metal construction, industrial electronics, machine maintenance and child care development among others.

One of LTC’s main objectives is to equip the people in its locality with the skills they need for employment. To this end, the college works closely with local employers to find out the skills which are in demand and to create courses that address such needs.

In response to the needs of the local community, the college has developed projects to address specific needs. One such project is PETE – Partnership in Environmental Technology Education. Started in 2002, this project has been tasked with the responsibility of developing alternative energy sources for local businesses. As a result, the college has developed educational programs that teach people about non-traditional sources of energy. Classes are conducted in alternative energy sources such as biomass, biogas, photovoltaic systems and wind power.

A good example of the fruits of the PETE project is the Associate degree in Applied Science in Wind Technology that the college created.

The full range of LTC programs covers over 70 areas of study. LTC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission which is a commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Most Popular Fields of Study

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Admissions

Students seeking admission to LTC can make their applications at any of the college’s campuses or submit an online application. The latter is the preferred mode of application because it is not only time-saving but cheaper.

The college admits students who are holders of high school diplomas or their equivalent. To show evidence of high school completion, applicants are required to submit official transcripts from their high schools showing grades obtained and the year of graduation. For documents to be considered original, they have to be in a sealed envelope and be delivered directly from the applicant’s high school. Copies are not accepted.

In the absence of a high school diploma, the college accepts GED and HSED certificates. Where a student has been away from high school for more than 15 years, the college requires confirmation that the transcripts issued have retained accreditation.

Students meeting above minimum admission requirements are then required to take the college’s placement tests. These tests are used to determine the ideal courses for applicants based on their skills in writing, mathematics and reading. Where no ACT scores are available, the college administers ACCUPLACER tests which cost the applicant $20. For some of the college’s apprentice courses, (metal fabrication, machining, metal fabrication, etc), the college does not charge any fees for the ACCUPLACER test.

In addition to above requirements, international students seeking admission to the college are required to show evidence of their proficiency in English (speaking, reading and writing) by providing results of their Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) examination. The minimum acceptable score is 550 for the paper-based version of the test and 213 for the computer-based version. Moreover, international students are required to provide written proof of the availability of sufficient financial resources to take care of college tuition and attendant expenses.

Financial Aid

Students attending LTC have so many sources of financial aid that the majority (over 90%) manage to obtain some form of aid. Outside federal sources of aid, the leading provider of financial aid for students attending the college is the LTC Foundation which awards over 70 scholarships valued at over $80,000 every year. Scholarships issued by the foundation are need and merit-based and applications have to be received by April 15th and November 15th for the fall and spring semesters respectively.

Residents of Wisconsin who are returning to school after a prolonged break could benefit from the Jaycees of Wisconsin Foundation Inc Scholarship. This $500 scholarship is given annually to residents who are returning to school and is meant to encourage older people to go back to school.

The Sheboygan County Chamber of Commerce also awards $2,000 every year to a student who has either worked with or has parents or spouses working with a company which is a member of the chamber. Other scholarships include the WASA Wisconsin Agri-Service Association Eldon Roesler Scholarship ($1,000), the David Steven Memorial College Scholarship (for residents of Manitowac County only) and the brand new Carol Scaife Memorial Scholarship ($750).

The State of Wisconsin has several grant programs. The Wisconsin Higher Education Grant (WHEG) awards grants ranging from $350 to $1,000 to resident students who are enrolled at the college. For incoming freshmen, the State also gives the Talent Incentive Program (TIP) Grant awards whose value range from $600 to $1,800. Students from minority groups could also apply for the Minority Undergraduate Retention Grant which awards up to $2,500 per year. The State also runs the Indian Student Grant and the Hearing and Visually Handicapped Student Grant.

Federal grants that students attending LTC can apply for include the Pell Grant and the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG). The college also participates in the Federal Work-Study (FWS) program which enables needy students from the college to obtain part-time paid employment. Student loans are also available from the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program in the form of subsidized, unsubsidized and PLUS direct loans.

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 6734th for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in Wisconsin.

Students

Student organizations at LTC are coordinated by the Student Government Association. There are many program-related clubs and organizations and the college encourages students with special interests to form new clubs and organizations. Through their clubs, students get to meet with professionals in their areas of study by organizing seminars and workshops. Club activities also promote the college. Some clubs and organizations work closely with civic organizations and help in conducting surveys and charity fund-raising.

Some of the program-related clubs include the auto collision club, the dairy club, the criminal justice students association, the auto tech club, the dental hygiene club and the future teachers club among many others.

LTC is also home to many non-program related clubs. The Gay-Straight Alliance is active at the college in preaching equality and tolerance regardless gender and sexual orientation. Christian students of all denominations meet in the interdenominational Student Impact Club. Issues if diversity are addressed by the Students Diversity Club which sponsors events that celebrate diversity at the college. Veterans enrolled at the college have formed the Student Veterans Association while the environmentally-awake students congregate under the banner of the Sustainability Club.

Student Enrollment Demographics

Additional School Information

For the security if the LTC community, the college is patrolled by the LTC Campus Police. Members of the campus police unit are also concurrent members of the Manitowac County Sheriff’s Department and therefore, in addition to ensuring the safety of the students and faculty, also have authority to arrest. The police officers are present on campus throughout the year (including the times when the college is closed).

Bibliography

“About Lakeshore Technical College”. Lakeshore Technical College. 21st May 2011 <http://gotoltc.edu/ltcfacts/index.php>

Eigenberger, Jennifer. “Leading by Example: Renewable Energy at Lakeshore Technical College”. 21st May 2011

“Lakeshore Technical College – Emergency Management Associate Degree in Applied Science (Online). FEMA. 21st May 2001

Lakeshore Technical College