Students in the microelectronic engineering program at Lorain County Community College have hit the educational jackpot.
College officials say the four-year bachelor's degree program will only cost $15,000, compared to $60,000 at a larger university.
"That gives people that maybe thought that obtaining a college degree was out of their reach within their grasp. It makes it affordable for just the average person," said student John Cooke.
"It means a lot. It means saving money. It's convenient. It is an absolutely fabulous opportunity for me," said student Sherry Washington.
The microelectronic engineering students wear protective gear to avoid getting skin oils, dust and static on the tiny circuit boards they design, assemble and manufacture. Some of the circuits are smaller than a grain of sand and thinner than a human hair.
The circuit boards are used in computers, cell phones and the medical and automotive industry.
Both Cooke and Washington said they will go for the bachelor's degree, because it will make them more attractive to employers.
"A better paying job, more opportunities and of course the opportunity to progress and go beyond a bachelor's degree at some point in my life," Washington said.
"It even gives me greater opportunity with the bachelor's program to broaden my potential, and potential jobs I could acquire," Cooke said.
Students can already apply for paid internships with companies located on campus. Now, those internships are more likely to turn into full time jobs, because the field has a high demand to fill jobs. College officials say these jobs could start at $65,000.
"What these companies have been expressing over the years is that we're losing our workforce to retirements. We're having a hard time finding skilled workers to work in this industry. They tell us our education is meeting their needs in both the associate's degree and now the bachelor's degree program,” Assistant Professor Johnny Vanderford said.
College officials say companies like Lincoln Electric in Euclid are already interested in potential jobs for these students down the road.
