Program Scholarships
Program Specific Scholarships
A variety of Lakeland scholarships are available to students pursuing specific degree and certificate programs, listed below.
Find a full listing of available scholarships here.
Immediate Needs Grant
Student Emergency Grant
The Emergency Grant (myLakeland login credentials required) may be available to students who are enrolled in an active term at Lakeland Community College who have encountered an unexpected financial hardship in paying for expenses that is preventing them from completing the semester.
College Credit Plus (CCP) students, Lakeland Community College employees or their dependent(s) are not eligible for funding.
The maximum amount of assistance is subject to the funds available. All funds are required to be counted as an additional resource when determining financial aid eligibility.
To apply, students must complete the Emergency Grant Form and include documentation of the expenses for which they are requesting funding (myLakeland log in credentials required). Requests for Emergency Grant funds will not be accepted until the third week of the term after class attendance has been verified.
You will be notified via your Lakeland email once your application has been reviewed or if additional information is needed to consider your request.
The Emergency Grant is made possible by the generosity of the Lakeland Foundation.
If you need assistance with rent, mortgage, utilities, food, tuition, or educational expenses, please see below for resources available to you.
- Cleveland Housing Network Housing Partners (Cuyahoga County) or call 216-881-8443
- Fair Housing Resource Center or call 440.392.0147 (Lake and Geauga County); residents outside of Lake & Geauga Counties can find their local Community Action Agency by visiting https://oacaa.org/find-an-agency/
- Greater Cleveland Food Bank (Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga and Lake Counties)
- Hebrew Free Loan Association (HFLA) of Northeast Ohio – interest free loans
- Hunger Network (Cuyahoga County)
- Lake County Department of Job and Family Services Public Assistance – A variety of financial assistance programs are available such as SNAP (food assistance), Prevention, Retention and Contingency (PRC) benefits and an array of medical programs
- Call 2-1-1
- On/off campus food assistance programs
- Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) Education Support Funds
- The OOD Education Support Funds help students with disabilities in their pursuit of continued education. Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) will provide up to $7,000 to all eligible college students with disabilities while participating in OOD services, to be used for tuition or educational expenses while enrolled. This includes students with disabilities (e.g., physical, learning, mental health, sensory, hearing, vision, and more) participating in colleges, apprenticeships, trade schools, and credentialing programs. The process begins with an application for services. Visit OODWorks.com to get started, or call an OOD location near you. For information regarding accommodations for Lakeland classes, contact the Student Accommodation Center at 440-525-7020 or StudentAccommodationCenter@lakelandcc.edu.
- OhioMeansJobs | Lake County Tuition Assistance Program
- Through OhioMeansJobs|Lake County, Lake County, Ohio residents with financial need can qualify for grants up to $10,000 to pay for tuition or short-term certificates for training of In-Demand Occupational Programs (i.e. Healthcare, Manufacturing, I.T., Engineering, Welding, Business Management, & HVAC) through the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA) for qualified individuals. Contact OhioMeansJobs|Lake County at 440-350-4000 (select 3) or lake_omj_inquiry@jfs.ohio.gov to discuss your tuition assistance needs.
- Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) and Winter Crisis Program (WCP). For more information regarding these programs and to apply, visit the Ohio Department of Development webpage or call 800.282.0880.
- Internet/Computer Assistance
- Affordable Connectivity Program – helps ensure that households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare and more.
- Internet Essentials from Comcast – home internet for $9.95 for qualifying customers
- Free Wi-Fi access from Ohio's public libraries - To find the nearest local library, visit https://oplin.org/fal/.
- Check with your mobile carrier to add a hot spot to your current plan, or visit Cheapest Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspot Plans for more information
- Shop top internet service providers
Short Term Certificates
Short-term Certificate Grant Program
The Ohio Department of Education (ODHE) has awarded Lakeland Community College funds under the Short-Term Certificate Grant Program to provide grants to students enrolled in certificate programs to meet the in-demand needs of Ohio based business and industries. This grant is designed to support students with demonstrated financial need in obtaining a certificate less than 30 credit hours and that can be completed in less than one year.
With these funds from the ODHE, Lakeland is able to provide up to $2,000 per eligible short-term certificate to assist with tuition and fees; a student may receive this assistance for up to three different eligible short-term certificates. However, the student must successfully complete one short-term certificate before receiving an award for another short-term certificate.
- Administrative Medical Office Assistant
- Electrocardiography (EKG)
- EMT – Basic
- EMT – Paramedic
- Phlebotomy
- State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA)
- Computed Tomography (CT)
- Dental Assisting
- Welding Fabrication I
- GMAW (MIG/MAG) Welding
- Pipe Welding
- FCAW (Flux Cored) Welding
- GTAW (TIG) Welding
- SMAW (Stick) Welding
- IT Specialist - IT Support Focus
- IT Specialist - Data Analytics Focus
- IT Specialist - Operating Systems/Networking Focus
- IT Specialist - Custom Focus
- IT Specialist - Project Management Focus
- Ohio Real Estate Broker
- Ohio Real Estate Salesperson
- Basic Police Academy
To be considered for a short-term certificate grant, students must:
- Be an Ohio resident.
- Submit the Short-term Certificate Grant application.
- Be enrolled in one of the eligible certificate programs at Lakeland.
- Certify a financial need for this grant. (Financial need may be because of unemployment or underemployment or simply lacking resources to fully meet all current expenses.)
College Comeback
College Comeback Programs
Lakeland recognizes that prior balances may present a challenge to return and meet educational goals. If you are a former student who owes a balance to Lakeland Community College or to one of the institutions* below, you may be eligible for assistance in returning to school.
Students must meet the participation eligibility requirements below to participate in Lakeland's College Comeback program. Lakeland will forgive up to $1,500 ($750 a semester/term payable after completion of current term) toward balance held by Lakeland and any Attorney General fees dating back no more than five years.
- Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or above at Lakeland at time of enrolling in program
- Eligible semester/term to participate
| Semester/Term Debt Owed | Next Semester/Term Eligible ot Begin Program |
|---|---|
| Summer | Spring |
| Spring | Spring |
| Fall | Summer |
- Debt owed to Lakeland dates back no more than 5 years
- Debt forgiven by Lakeland is up to $1,500 ($750 semester/term)
- Degree or certificate seeking at Lakeland
- Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for current aid year on file at Lakeland
- Enroll in and successfully complete at least 6 credit hours in first semester back at Lakeland (or minimum credits to earn degree or certificate); complete all enrolled course work in good academic standing (at least 6 credit hours)
- Schedule meeting with Lakeland academic counselor to map or revise academic pathway to earning degree or certificate and to determine course schedule
- Schedule meeting with Enrollment Operations staff member; FAFSA for current aid year must be on file at the college before meeting can be scheduled
- Requirements of program and qualifying activities are discussed (i.e., balance owed, how debt is forgiven and financial plan to pay charges for current semester)
- Student will be registered for classes previously discussed with Lakeland academic counselor
- Complete and sign Lakeland College Comeback Agreement Form
This program will conclude at the end of the Fall 2025 semester.
The Ohio College Comeback Compact is a collaboration of eight public universities and community colleges in northeast Ohio* to help students who left college without a degree continue their education.
This program is open to eligible students who previously attended any of the eight participating institutions below, have been out of college at least a year, maintained a 2.0 cumulative GPA before they left, and owe the institution $5,000 or less. Find more information and to check your eligibility here.
*Participating Colleges: Cleveland State University, Cuyahoga Community College, Kent State University, Lakeland Community College, Lorain County Community College, Stark State College, The University of Akron and Youngstown State University.
Second Chance
Second Chance Grant Program
Lakeland's Second Chance Grant application is now closed as all available funding has been allocated.
The Second Chance Grant is designed to reduce financial barriers preventing Ohioans with some college credit but no bachelor's degree from returning to complete their degrees. Under this program, any student who meets the following criteria is eligible to receive financial assistance of up to $3,000 toward their return to college in order to obtain a degree or credential.
To be eligible for this grant, a student must meet the following criteria:
- Ohio resident
- Has not obtained a bachelor's degree from any institution of higher education
- Stopped attending a qualifying institution* in Ohio and did not transfer to another institution of higher education in the two semesters immediately following the last term of enrollment
- Will be re-enrolling in a qualifying institution* within five years of their last term of enrollment
- Was in good academic standing with no record of disciplinary issues (including suspension or expulsion) at the time they stopped attending
- Not enrolled in the College Credit Plus (CCP) Program
- Must be pursuing a bachelor's degree, associate degree, undergraduate certificate or certification. (There are no restrictions on a particular major or program.) Students who already possess a degree or credential MUST be pursuing a degree or credential beyond that which they already possess to qualify for a Second Chance Grant:
- Students possessing an associate degree must be pursuing a bachelor's degree
- Students possessing a certificate must be pursuing an associate or bachelor's degree
- Students possessing a certification must be pursuing a certificate, associate degree or bachelor's degree
- Not a recipient of one of the following state-supported scholarships: Choose Ohio First Scholarship, Ohio Safety Officers College Memorial Fund, Ohio War Orphans and Severely Disabled Veterans' Children Scholarship Program, or Ohio National Guard Scholarship
Lakeland's Second Chance Grant application is now closed as all available funding has been allocated.
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for current aid year (as applicable) and accept any federal and state need-based grants and/or scholarships
- If it has been over two years since you have enrolled in courses at Lakeland, please complete the Returning Student Application for your student record to be reactivated. For more information on reenrollment, financial aid and transferring credits to Lakeland, visit Lakeland's Recruitment Center.
- Register for classes
If you are eligible to receive the Second Chance Grant, you will be notified via email with the next steps. If you are registered for classes, the Second Chance Grant funds will be posted to your account to be applied to your tuition and fees first with any excess funds refunded to you to use for other components of your cost of attendance.
*Qualifying Institutions are defined as one of the following:
- A state institution of higher education, as defined in section 3345.011 of the Revised Code;
- A private nonprofit institution of higher education that holds a certificate of authorization pursuant to Chapter 1713. of the Revised Code;
- An institution with a certificate of registration from the Ohio State Board of Career Colleges and Schools under Chapter 3332. of the Revised Code;
- A private institution exempt from regulation under Chapter 3332. of the Revised Code as prescribed in section 3333.046 of the Revised Code;
- An Ohio Technical Center, as defined in section 3333.94 of the Revised Code.
Choose Ohio First Reporting
Choose Ohio First Scholarships
The Choose Ohio First Scholarship Program is designed to strengthen Ohio's competitiveness within science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines, and STEM education. This program provides scholarships to Lakeland students. The program is also designed to help connect students to work-based learning experiences and careers in STEM fields.
These scholarships are available to Lakeland students in both health care and information technology and computer science (IT&CS) programs. See below for a full list of programs eligible for these scholarships.
Fill out the 2025-2026 IT&CS Scholarship Application to apply.
Contact the program chair of your health care degree/certificate program to request a link to the 2025-2026 Choose Ohio First Scholarship Application.
- Health Information Management Technology
- Nursing
- Radiologic technology
- Respiratory therapist
- Surgical technology
Stimulus Reporting
On March 27, 2020, the federal government enacted the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act ("CARES Act"). The CARES Act includes a Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund ("HEERF"). A portion of HEERF funds must go directly to eligible students in the form of emergency financial aid grants for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the COVID-19 crisis ("HEERF Student Share Grant Funds"). Since the CARES Act in March 2020, two additional relief packages were passed. The required reporting for both the student and the institutional share is found below.
- Q4, 2023 report
- Q3, 2023 report
- Q2, 2023 report
- Q1, 2023 report
- Q4, 2022 report
- Q3, 2022 report
- Q2, 2022 report
- Q1, 2022 report
- Q4, 2021 report
- Q3, 2021 report
More information on CRRSAA and the student application for relief funds can be found here.
More information on ARP and the student application for relief funds can be found here.
Cares Act Stimulus
Lakeland's CARES Act application is now closed as all available funding has been allocated.
The following frequently asked questions (FAQs) provide guidance and information about this funding and the process to apply.
View Lakeland Community College's CARES Act reporting below:Students currently enrolled in fall 2020 classes who have expenses related to disruption of campus operations (such as food, technology, health care and child care) are eligible to apply for emergency funding. The CARES Act Emergency Grant funding for students is not provided to cover lost wages but rather unforeseen emergency expenses. You could receive free money to use for technology and additional funds for food, child care and/or health care needs. The average award is currently $750 per student.
In addition, to receive the funds you must be eligible to participate in the Title IV (Pell Grant and student loan) financial aid programs. You do not need to be a financial aid recipient but are required to complete either the 2019-2020 or 2020-2021 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If you have not yet done so, you can complete the FAFSA at studentaid.gov/fafsa.
Lakeland's CARES Act application is now closed as all available funding has been allocated.
Allowable emergency expenses are those unforeseen expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the coronavirus. Eligible expenses include, but are not limited to, items related to your cost of attendance, such as food, technology, health care and child care.
The CARES Act emergency grant funding for students is not provided to cover lost wages but rather unforeseen emergency expenses.
No. In accordance with the guidance provided by the U.S. Department of Education, dually enrolled high school students are not eligible for emergency funding through CARES Act.
No. In accordance with the guidance provided by the U.S. Department of Education, international students are not eligible for emergency funding through the CARES Act.
No. In accordance with the guidance provided by the U.S. Department of Education, DACA students do not meet the eligibility requirements for the emergency funding through the CARES Act.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is a form completed by current and prospective college students in the U.S. to determine their eligibility for student financial aid. You'll need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to get any financial aid from the federal government to help pay for college and to determine that you meet all of the eligibility requirement to receive CARES Act emergency funding.
No. The current year FAFSA is sufficient; however, if you are planning to enroll for the 2020-2021 school year, filing the FAFSA for 2020-2021 is highly recommended.
Typically, FAFSA results are received within 3-5 business days.
All communication and notifications of CARES Act funding decisions will be sent directly to your Lakeland student email.
Yes. If you are a currently enrolled student during the term of your application and have unforeseen emergency expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the coronavirus, you may be eligible for additional funding.
Yes, funding is intended for currently enrolled students at Lakeland Community College who meet all of the eligibility requirements listed above.
Approved requests will be refunded, regardless of any balance owed to the college, by paper check which will be mailed to the address on file.
We are committed to notifying students of the award decision within three business days of submitting the application.
Typical processing time for receiving funds will be approximately 15 business days from the date the credit balance appears on your account. Delivery of the check takes an additional 3-5 business days. The first mailing of checks for the fall 2020 semester will be the end of the second week of the semester.
ARP Stimulus
The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III (HEERF III) is authorized by the American Rescue Plan (ARP), Public Law 117-2, signed into law on March 11, 2021, in support to institutions of higher education to serve students and ensure learning continues during the COVID-19 pandemic. Students may use the funds toward any component of their cost of attendance, or for emergency costs that arise due to coronavirus, such as tuition, food, housing, medical and mental health care or childcare.
View Lakeland Community College's ARP reporting below:
Any student (excluding College Credit Plus) currently enrolled in classes at Lakeland. ARP funds are prioritized for students with exceptional financial need. As funds remain available, eligible students may be awarded through summer term.
Students do not need to be a financial aid recipient to be eligible but we would encourage all students to complete the 2022-2023 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for other federal, state and local funding opportunities. Students can complete the FAFSA at studentaid.gov/fafsa.
The application process is now closed. All funds have been allocated.
Eligible expenses due to COVID-19 pandemic include, but are not limited to, items related to cost of attendance, such as tuition and fees, books, food, technology, transportation, health care (including mental health) and child care.
No. In accordance with the guidance provided by the U.S. Department of Education, dually enrolled high school students are not eligible for emergency funding through ARP.
Yes. In accordance with the guidance provided by the U.S. Department of Education, international students are eligible for emergency funding through the ARP.
Yes. In accordance with the guidance provided by the U.S. Department of Education, DACA students do meet the eligibility requirements for emergency funding through the ARP.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is a form completed by current and prospective college students in the U.S. to determine their eligibility for student financial aid. Students need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to get any financial aid from the federal government to help pay for college, however, completing the FAFSA is not required to receive ARP emergency funding.
Typically, FAFSA results are received within 3-5 business days.
All communication and notifications of ARP funding decisions will be sent to the student's Lakeland student email.
Yes. If a student is currently enrolled during the term of his/her application and have unforeseen emergency expenses he/she may be eligible for additional funding.
Yes, funding is intended for currently enrolled students at Lakeland Community College who meet all of the eligibility requirements listed above.
Students can choose to receive funds by direct deposit or a check by mail, or have the funds applied to their student billing account to help pay tuition and other college charges. If students opt to pay their charges, any remaining balance will be refunded to them.
If students choose to receive a check by mail, they must verify the address on file by viewing it in their myLakeland account. If it is not correct, they should contact sscenter@lakelandcc.edu to have it updated.
If students choose to receive funds through direct deposit, this can be set up in myLakeland through the Billing Center located on the Student tab under "myRECORDS." Note: an active bank account is necessary.
We are committed to notifying students of the award decision via their Lakeland student email within 5-7 business days.
Students who opt to receive the funds directly or have a credit balance after charges are paid will typically receive the funds approximately 15 business days from the date the credit balance appears on the student account.
Direct deposit may help avoid mail delays. Direct deposit can be set up in myLakeland through the Billing Center located on the Student tab under "myRECORDS." Note: an active bank account is necessary.
CRRSAA Stimulus
The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) provides COVID-19 relief to students under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA), part of the federal stimulus package passed Dec. 27, 2020 by Congress. Students may use the funds toward any component of their cost of attendance, or for emergency costs that arise due to coronavirus, such as tuition, food, housing, health care (including mental health care) or child care.
View Lakeland Community College's CRRSAA reporting below:
Any student (excluding College Credit Plus) currently enrolled in classes at Lakeland. CRRSAA funds are prioritized for students with exceptional financial need. As funds remain available, eligible students may be awarded through May 2022.
Students do not need to be a financial aid recipient to be eligible but we would encourage all students to complete the 2021-2022 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for other federal, state and local funding opportunities. Students can complete the FAFSA at studentaid.gov/fafsa.
All available funds for this stimulus have been claimed. Please see below for the application to ARP funds for students enrolled in fall semester (further info on ARP stimulus forthcoming).
ARP Emergency Grant application and information can be found here.
Eligible expenses due to COVID-19 pandemic include, but are not limited to, items related to cost of attendance, such as tuition and fees, books, food, technology, transportation, health care (including mental health) and child care.
No. In accordance with the guidance provided by the U.S. Department of Education, dually enrolled high school students are not eligible for emergency funding through CRRSAA.
Yes. In accordance with the guidance provided by the U.S. Department of Education, international students are eligible for emergency funding through the CRRSAA.
Yes. In accordance with the guidance provided by the U.S. Department of Education, DACA students do meet the eligibility requirements for emergency funding through the CRRSAA.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is a form completed by current and prospective college students in the U.S. to determine their eligibility for student financial aid. Students need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to get any financial aid from the federal government to help pay for college, however, completing the FAFSA is not required to receive CRRSAA emergency funding.
Typically, FAFSA results are received within 3-5 business days.
All communication and notifications of CRRSAA funding decisions will be sent to the student's Lakeland student email.
Yes. If a student is currently enrolled during the term of his/her application and have unforeseen emergency expenses he/she may be eligible for additional funding.
Yes, funding is intended for currently enrolled students at Lakeland Community College who meet all of the eligibility requirements listed above.
Students can choose to receive funds by direct deposit or a check by mail, or have the funds applied to their student billing account to help pay tuition and other college charges. If students opt to pay their charges, any remaining balance will be refunded to them.
If students choose to receive a check by mail, they must verify the address on file by viewing it in their myLakeland account. If it is not correct, they should contact sscenter@lakelandcc.edu to have it updated.
If students choose to receive funds through direct deposit, this can be set up in myLakeland through the Billing Center located on the Student tab under "myRECORDS." Note: an active bank account is necessary.
We are committed to notifying students of the award decision via their Lakeland student email within 5-7 business days.
Students who opt to receive the funds directly or have a credit balance after charges are paid will typically receive the funds approximately 15 business days from the date the credit balance appears on the student account.
Direct deposit may help avoid mail delays. Direct deposit can be set up in myLakeland through the Billing Center located on the Student tab under "myRECORDS." Note: an active bank account is necessary.
Federal Loan Borrows Updates
Important Information & Updates for Federal Loan Borrowers
In August 2022, the Biden-Harris Administration announced student loan forgiveness plans of up to $20,000 for prior Pell-Grant recipients and up to $10,000 for all other loan borrowers. To be eligible, your annual income must be below $125,000 (for individuals) or $250,000 (for married couples or heads of households).
The debt relief applies only to loan balances you had before June 30, 2022. Borrowers can view their loan balances, and check their Pell Grant status by logging into their Federal Student Aid account online at studentaid.gov.
Lakeland Community College will not be involved in your application for loan forgiveness and Lakeland will not have information on your application or its status. You will receive communication on your application from the U.S. Department of Education (ED) to the email you use on your application.
Please visit studentaid.gov/debt-relief-announcement for the most up-to-date information.
On April 6, 2022, the U.S. Department of Education (ED) announced an initiative called "Fresh Start" to help eligible borrowers in default.
This federal initiative is an opportunity for those students currently in default on their Federal student loans to get another chance to receive Federal aid and complete their education. The goals of this initiative are to increase the long-term prepayment success of borrowers with defaulted federal student loans and provide substantial benefits to borrowers over the coming months (up to one year after the payment pause ends). Please reference this fact sheet for your questions [pdf].
Benefits of Fresh Start for Eligible Loans:
- Access to Federal Student Aid
- Stopped Collections
- Eligibility for Other Government Loans
- Restored Ability to Rehabilitate Loans
- Access to Student Loan Forgiveness Programs
- Access to Short-term Relief (Forbearance and Deferment)
- Access to Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) Plans
Eligible Loans:
- Defaulted William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program loans
- Defaulted Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program loans
- Defaulted Perkins Loans held by ED
Beginning Aug. 17, 2022, Lakeland Community College will manually review those with defaulted Federal loans on any newly uploaded Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and notify the student if we need any documents from them including a signed Fresh Start Acknowledgement form. Students that have defaulted Federal loans and whose FAFSA was processed by Lakeland prior to Aug. 17 can contact Lakeland's Financial Aid Office to request a review.
For the most up-to-date information on the Fresh Start Initiative, please visit the Federal Student Aid website.