News Release: 10/13/2026
CLEVELAND, WI – From exploring more than 65 career programs to getting hands-on with welding, Lakeshore College is inviting community members to discover what’s possible at its Chart Your Course Community Open House on Wednesday, Oct. 28.
As part of the event, visitors interested in skilled trades can Make Some Sparks! while learning more about welding careers and Lakeshore’s welding programs. The hands-on opportunity gives participants a chance to experience welding firsthand and learn how technical education can lead to rewarding careers in the manufacturing and skilled trades industries.
“Whether someone is just starting to explore career options or considering a career change, this event provides an opportunity to experience Lakeshore College firsthand,” said Dr. Paul Carlsen, Lakeshore College president. “Visitors can explore our programs, talk with faculty and students, tour our facilities and discover the many pathways available to help them reach their goals.”
Lakeshore’s Cleveland Campus will be open for personalized tours during the event, including innovative learning spaces such as culinary labs, the manufacturing center, dental labs, nursing classrooms, law enforcement training areas, information technology areas and the maker’s space. Guests can explore associate degrees, certificates, technical diplomas, apprenticeships and transfer-to-bachelor’s partnerships.
For those interested in welding, Lakeshore offers programs designed to develop hands-on skills for careers in the industry. The College is hosting its Make Some Sparks! welding career exploration event in partnership with the American Welding Society Lakeshore Section, providing participants with opportunities to experience welding and learn more about the field.
Guests can also learn about student clubs and campus activities, credit for prior learning, military benefits, childcare and other student resources. Food trucks and campus activities will add to the community event atmosphere.
There is no application fee to apply to Lakeshore College, and prospective students can apply even if they have not yet decided which program they want to pursue.
Registration is encouraged. To learn more or register, visit lakeshore.edu/openhouse and lakeshore.edu/sparks.
About Lakeshore College
Lakeshore College, formerly known as Lakeshore Technical College, is a comprehensive community and technical college educating more than 8,000 students annually. Students enroll at Lakeshore to master real-world, employable career skills and start their pursuit of a bachelor’s degree. Lakeshore faculty and staff are focused on providing each student an individualized learning experience.
Lakeshore College is a nationally recognized two-year college. The college was ranked #2 in the nation by Washington Monthly, #17 in the nation by Forbes, #2 in the state by WalletHub.com, a top-150 two-year college by the Aspen Institute, a 2024 Bellwether Award winner, and named the 2021 Large Business/Industry of the Year by the Chamber of Manitowoc County.
Approximately 800 students graduate from Lakeshore each year, and associate degree graduates report earning a median salary of $62,395 within six months of graduating. In addition to the Cleveland campus, Lakeshore educates students at learning campuses in downtown Manitowoc and downtown Sheboygan. Classes are also offered at additional sites throughout the district. Visit Lakeshore at lakeshore.edu.
Contact: Amy Hanson, Senior Marketing Specialist
Phone: 920.693.1345
Email: amy.hanson@lakeshore.edu
Press Room: lakeshore.edu/lakeshore-news
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Lakeshore College
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Amy Hanson Senior Marketing Specialist
- October 13, 2026
- (920) 693-1345
- Send Email
