Be The First

IN YOUR FAMILY TO EARN A COLLEGE DEGREE

Congratulations on wanting to learn more about being the first in your family to earn a college degree!

Being first for anything can be exciting and scary at the same time. When you don’t have family members who went to college, learning about college can feel uncomfortable. That’s why we take extra steps to help ease you into learning about the benefits a Lakeshore Technical College education can offer you. This page will help us get started together – whenever you’re ready – from wherever you are. 

Let’s start with some questions you might be thinking about:

Who is a “First-Generation” student? 

If your parents didn’t graduate from college, you’re considered part of a community we call “First-Generation.” Here at Lakeshore, we have a high number of First-Generation students. 

What makes First-Generation students different?

Here’s an example. If your mom played soccer when she was younger, she would likely be able to teach you the basics of how to play. If she doesn’t know enough about soccer, she could send you to a soccer camp to learn how to play. Our First-Generation efforts are like soccer camp in that we’ll take extra steps to help you learn how to get in and through college. From choosing what to study, applying for admission, selecting classes, etc., we’ll be with you every step. It’s much more comfortable than trying to figure out how to do everything on your own. 

Do First-Generation students succeed?

Yes! First-Generation students make the dean’s list, win awards, get selected for scholarships, join clubs and take on leadership positions, etc. Most importantly, they graduate and go on to earn their bachelor’s degrees at four-year colleges or begin exciting new careers paying high wages! Get inspired by a few of our First-Generation students and graduates. We’d love to add your story in the future!

How do I figure out what to study (program/major)?

Areas of study at Lakeshore are called “programs.” With so many programs choose from, it can be challenging to find your best fit. We have options to help you.

  • We recommend starting by trying our interactive online career exploration tool. It can help you identify career options and make informed decisions about your future. It involves a series of questions about your personality, interests, values, and skills. 
  • Our Admissions Advisors can guide you through our career areas.
  • Consider attending an event focused on a career area that interests you. Check our Events page to see what’s scheduled.
  • Look through our options on our Degree Program web page.
Who can I connect with for help?
  • Our Admissions team is happy to answer all your questions and connect you with the right people, depending on what you need. Whether it’s choosing a program, learning about resources, paying for college, etc., they can help.  You can reach them at:
    • 920.693.1366
    • admissions@gotoltc.edu
    • Cleveland: 1290 North Ave.
    • Sheboygan: 1320 Niagara Ave. (appointments recommended)
    • Manitowoc: 600 York St. (appointments recommended)
I’d prefer to explore what Lakeshore can offer on my own before talking or meeting with an Admissions Advisor. How can I do that?
  • Use our website’s "Question? Click Here" function 24/7 to ask questions. Look to your lower right to see the green icon, which can be found on most pages. If you don’t get an answer right away, someone from Admissions will contact you with an answer.
  • Use the search bar in the upper right corner to search anything from how to pay for college or choose an area of study, find out what events are scheduled and the type of resources available to help you succeed, see what student organizations are offered, etc.
  • Follow us on social media: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Twitter, LinkedIn. Click any of the icons at the bottom of this page to connect.
How can I learn more about student life at Lakeshore?

You’re always welcome to request a tour of our campus, follow us on social media (links at the bottom of this page), and visit our Current Students page here on our website. 

College is sounding good so far, but I’m not sure I’d “get in” or be able to handle it. How can I know?

Try not to worry. Lakeshore is an open access institution, meaning everyone is welcome to learn here. Instead of requiring test scores, we take time getting to know you so we can figure out where you are at academically. If we find you may not be quite ready, we’ll recommend College Connecting Courses. These free courses provide support for math, reading, and writing. There’s no cost for them and you can take them while you’re enrolled in your college-level courses. Also, know that we often see students who did not get good grades in high school do much better at Lakeshore because they want to be here, and the coursework is much more interesting!

After I enroll at Lakeshore, is help still available for First-Generation students?

Yes! Our TRIO Student Support Services offers a wide variety of opportunities for members to build and enhance their social, financial, and academic experiences while at Lakeshore. All our First-Generation, lower income, and disabled students are encouraged to join this welcoming community. Learn more! 

We look forward to helping you become part of our Lakeshore Technical College community!