Lake Michigan College offers free books to new students

Lake Michigan College has announced that textbooks will be free for high school seniors enrolled full-time in the upcoming school year.

Al Pscholka, vice president of enrollment, marketing and government affairs at LMC, tells us that a lot of money was freed up at the college when the state announced that the Community College Guarantee would provide free tuition for the district’s high school graduating classes of 2023 and 2024 this fall. LMC leaders wanted to use the opportunity to help students even more.

“It’s been proven that student success increases when a textbook is available on the first day of class,” Pscholka said. “And because the state matches the last dollar grant, and thanks to our private donors and all the people who go to the LMC auction every spring, we’re able to provide free books for grades 23 and 24 this fall.”

Pscholka says eligible students could save about $500 to $800 next fall by not having to pay for their books.

“This applies to the high school graduating classes of 1923 who were enrolled with us last year and the incoming class of 2024. As long as you are a full-time student and begin your studies at LMC, there are no fees for books.”

According to Pscholka, the total amount for free books for all affected students is about $1 million. He points out that with programs like Community College Guarantee, Reconnect Michigan and Red Hawk Futures, most students can essentially graduate from LMC for free.

Students who are eligible for free books this fall will simply be placed on a list at the college bookstore.