LCCC Offers New Certificate in Cross Institutional Studies

Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC) has created a new 32-credit-hour certificate program in Cross Institutional Studies that is designed to help college students develop specific employability skills for entry level positions in a chosen focus area. The program will begin in the fall 2021, but students can take electives that count toward the certificate in the upcoming semester.

The certificate program focuses on building skills that will prepare them to be successful within their chosen focus area without the concern of general education requirements found in a degree program. Students will take courses in a variety of electives, in Student Development Skills and in one of seven focus areas, including:

Artistic Design and Production

Administrative, Support Services and Hospitality

Technology Design and Support

Educational Support

Public Health and Safety

General Trade Studies

General Science Studies

The program was developed as part of the Pennsylvania Inclusive Higher Education Consortium mini-grant that the college received from Millersville University. The new degree program will complement the college’s existing SEED (Success, Engagement, Education, Determination) Career Track, which supports students with disabilities who are interested in a college experience and gaining skills in their chosen career path. It is one of only a handful of credit degree programs on a community college campus for students with intellectual disabilities and the only one in Pennsylvania. The program addresses the growing need for inclusive higher education programs for students.

True to the inclusive model, Cross Institutional Studies will be open to all students who can benefit from this type of certificate. This includes students who wish to pursue competitive employment, who have attempted and not been successful at completing general education requirements but who excel in courses in their focus area and whose career goals do not require an associate degree. The program qualifies for financial aid. Students who complete the program may be eligible to transfer into inclusive higher education programs at other colleges or universities.

For more information on the program, contact Michelle Mitchell, learning specialist and professor, at MMitchell@LCCC.edu.