January 4, 2016 — Residents of Lorain County who are 22 and older and who did not finish high school now can earn a diploma from the school district in which they reside, thanks to a new 22+ Adult High School Diploma Program from .

Available at no cost to enrollees, the 22+ Program is a credit-based diploma program, meaning enrollees can finish the credits they missed when they left high school. Participants will have 24/7 access to online courses and can complete their education remotely at their own pace, earning a fully accredited high school diploma rather than a GED. LCCC has chosen Graduation Alliance to deliver the online instruction because of its proven track record of working with at-risk individuals and re-engaging them in their education.

"The economy of our community has changed, and with it, the needs of employers for workers with a diploma and a credential," said Marcia Ballinger, provost and vice president for Academic and Learner Services at Lorain County Community College. "We are thrilled to be able to offer this unique opportunity to empower the adults in our community to take advantage of the employment opportunities now available."

The 22+ Program includes access to online credit recovery courses, as well as round-the-clock support from highly qualified teachers, tutors, and personal academic coaches. In addition, participants will have an opportunity to extend their education into career credentialing to prepare them for jobs that are available in Lorain County.

Lorain County Community College will host two information sessions for prospective participants. The first will be from 6-7 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 7 and the second from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Friday, Jan. 8. Both information sessions will be held in the Spitzer Conference Center. Please RSVP atwww.lorainccc.edu/22plus. Walk-ins are welcome.

"Lorain is proud to provide adults without a high school diploma a chance at a fresh start with our 22+ Program," said Roy Church, president of Lorain County Community College. "This program is just one more way we serve our community and provide opportunities for growth, advancement, and personal improvement."

To learn more about the Lorain County Community College 22+ Program or to enroll, call (440) 218-8344, or visit www.lorainccc.edu/22plus, or attend an upcoming information session.