When Sierra Mobley first enrolled at Lorain County Early College High School, she was nervous about keeping up with the combined high school and college program. It turns out, she had little to worry about.

Mobley’s concerns disappeared as she immersed herself in the opportunities provided by the program. Now, she is preparing to graduate high school at the same time she earns two associate degrees from Lorain County Community College.

Lorain County Early College High School is an opportunity for students beginning in ninth grade to participate in a combined high school and college experience with the goal of earning a high school diploma and college associate degree at the same time. All courses are taught at LCCC tuition free.

Through the Early College program, students are guided in their path to earning an associate of arts degree while in high school. Mobley doubled down on that challenge, and is earning a second degree – an associate of sciences. The additional coursework will provide a foundation for Mobley as she transfers to Cleveland State University in the fall to study nursing.

Earning two associate degrees while in high school has been challenging, but Mobley said the Early College program provided her with the support she needed to succeed. She also received support from her parents – including her father who recently passed away from COVID.

“Losing him made me want to work even harder because I knew he would want me to,” she said.

Also helping her along the way has been the Early College faculty and staff, including Harrilyn Arnold, Tracy Naymik and Daniel Vassi.

“They have helped me so much with getting my degrees,” Mobley said.

Her LCCC degree will be her first college degrees, but not her last. Once she earns a nursing degree from Cleveland State University, Mobley plans to continue in the healthcare field to become nurse practitioner and later an obstetrician-gynecologist.

“LCCC and Early College helped me to save a lot of money and it’s given me a faster start on my education.”