Laker Nation News

Lake Land College is offering Explore Lake Land open house events to help new and returning students take the first step in getting started.

Explore is designed for students who have been out of school for a while or for those who are seeking to start their college education. New adult students who register for spring classes may qualify for a tuition-free class up to three credit hours.

Interested individuals have two options. The first event will take place at the Kluthe Center for Higher Education and Technology in Effingham on Tuesday, Nov. 28 from 2-7 p.m. The second option will be held on campus in Mattoon on Thursday, Nov. 30 from 2-7 p.m. Individuals only have to attend one event and can plan to stay for about an hour.

Explore Lake Land will follow an informational fair format and will help students learn about the resources available to help them succeed.

“Lake Land College faculty and staff understand that adults have unique experiences when returning to school. These events are designed to create an environment where adults will feel welcome to explore their interests in coming to Lake Land. We are here to help individuals identify their objectives and to begin working toward their goal of taking a class or earning a degree or certificate,” said Chris Strohl, director of community outreach.

At Lake Land, adult students make up a majority of the student body.

“About 64 percent of our students are 24 and older,” Strohl added. “You are very likely to be in classes with people your own age.”

Investing in a college education at any age is economically beneficial according to a recent state study. Lake Land College graduates can expect an average 20 percent annual return on their investment in their degree. They can also expect an average immediate post-graduation wage increase of more than $6,700, according to a study conducted by the Illinois Community College Board, in collaboration with the Illinois Department of Employment Security and Northern Illinois University Center for Governmental Studies.

New adult students who register for a spring class during one of these events may qualify for one tuition-free class up to three credit hours. New adult students are defined as those who have not attended Lake Land College within the past three years or have not recently graduated from high school and immediately attended college. The tuition waiver is good for one college credit class, up to three hours, and is for in-district residents.

Registration is not required, but is encouraged. To learn more about Explore, call Strohl at 217-234-5429 or lakelandcollege.edu/explore-lake-land/.

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Lake Land College District 517, located in Mattoon, Illinois, serves the second largest community college district in the state, with a total population of 189,869. The Lake Land College district comprises all or part of 15 counties and 31 public school districts in rural east central Illinois. Counties served by Lake Land College include: Christian, Clark, Clay, Coles, Crawford, Cumberland, Douglas, Edgar, Effingham, Fayette, Jasper, Macon, Montgomery, Moultrie and Shelby.