You think four-year colleges have trouble attacting men? Try to imagine the problem community colleges have. Perhaps that explains why some community colleges are more willing than traditional four-year colleges to roll the dice a bit to attract men. Consider this initiative from Ohio’s Lakeland Community College: 

 KIRTLAND, Ohio -  The Men’s Gateway to College Project, offered through the Men’s Resource Center at Lakeland Community College, allows men to take a free one-credit hour class at the college. The program was developed to assist men who might not consider themselves “college material,” but who have an interest in going to college.

According to Jim Shelley, Men’s Resource Center Manager, the Gateway Project allows participants the opportunity to “test drive” a college course while earning one-credit hour toward a degree. “Men sometimes need an extra nudge to get them to consider college, especially those who are 25 years or older,” said Shelley. Currently, men comprise 39 percent of Lakeland’s students.

Before taking the free class, participants will take an assessment to help them define their career and educational interests. The Men’s Center is currently enrolling participants for five classes: Introduction to Personal Computers, Skills for College Success, Essentials For Algebra, and Psychology of Effective Study, and Introduction to Healthcare. Classes begin the week of August 25. For more information, call The Men’s Resource Center at 440-525-7453.

The Men’s Gateway Project will cover the cost of the class, text book, registration fees, and career assessment - a value of about $250. If, after taking one of the classes, participants wish to continue at Lakeland, the Men’s Center will assist them with the financial aid and admissions process, and in identifying a degree or certificate program.

The program is designed for men who have never taken a college class, or who attempted college but, because of personal or financial difficulties, did not obtain a degree.

At some point, probably in the distant future, when four-year colleges catch enough flak from parents and trustees for their current clumsy efforts to attract men – discriminating against women by offering men admissions preferences, starting revenue-draining football teams — they’ll take a look at programs similar to what Lakewood is doing.

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