Lehigh Carbon Community College has been awarded a $1 million state Dual Credit Innovation Grant to expand its tuition-free college credit programs for local high school students.

The funding is part of a statewide $21 million investment aimed at removing financial barriers to higher education. Through this grant, eligible high school students can enroll in college-level courses at LCCC at no cost to themselves or their families. The program covers all tuition, fees and required materials, including books.

“As a former student of Lehigh Carbon Community College, I recognize the value and opportunities that our community colleges provide for students,” said state Sen. Jarrett Coleman. “Helping high school students earn college credits is a common-sense way to reduce the long-term cost of a degree and prepare our workforce with less debt and more experience. This investment in LCCC ensures that students in our district have a clear, affordable pathway to success.”

LCCC is one of only 10 institutions in the commonwealth to receive this round of funding. The grant will support LCCC’s efforts to:

• Remove financial barriers by ensuring that students from all backgrounds can begin their college careers without the burden of tuition or fees.

• Accelerate career pathways by providing high schoolers with a head start on degrees in high-demand fields.

• Strengthen K-12 partnerships by enhancing collaboration with regional school districts to streamline the transition from high school to postsecondary education.

By allowing students to earn transferable credits before high school graduation, LCCC continues to serve as a vital engine for economic mobility and workforce development in Lehigh, Carbon and Schuylkill counties.

Founded in 1966, LCCC serves more than 10,000 students annually, offering over 90 programs of study, including business, criminal justice, education, health care, liberal arts, and technology.

LCCC provides an affordable, accessible and high-quality education to residents of the Lehigh Valley and surrounding area, and is designed to meet the needs of today’s workforce.

For more information on dual enrollment opportunities at LCCC, visit https://www.lccc.edu/admissions or email dualenrollment@lccc.edu.