LCCC receives $145,200 from Campus Safety Grant Program

Lorain County Community College will receive $145,200 from the state's Campus Safety Grant Program to upgrade on-campus security measures. State Rep. Gayle Manning, R-North Ridgeville, and Gov. Mike DeWine announced the award on Monday. Manning backed the funding in legislation at the Statehouse level. "As a former educator, I take the safety and security of both children and young adults on campuses very seriously," Manning said. "It is my hope that this new funding for the program will deliver enhanced security for our local higher education facilities." The funding came from House Bill 687, which Manning co-sponsored and supported on the House floor. Funds will be used to cover expenses associated with physical security enhancements such as security cameras, door locks, alarms, public address systems and metal detectors. The Campus Safety Grant Program made grants to state institutions of higher education for eligible security improvements that assist in improving the overall physical security and safety of buildings on public campuses throughout Ohio. To be eligible, colleges and universities conducted a security and vulnerability assessment to identify areas in need of safety enhancements. DeWine said grants totaling $5 million went to 33 Ohio colleges and universities. "These funds will go directly toward helping our institutions of higher education become more secure," DeWine said. "The importance of campus safety cannot be overstated, and Ohio is committed to supporting efforts that keep our colleges and universities safe." A total of $10 million has been awarded since the program was created in 2021. "Part of preparing students for future success is ensuring they feel safe on their campuses," Ohio Department of Education Chancellor Randy Gardner said. "Through these grants, the DeWine-Husted Administration continues to focus on helping our colleges and universities provide for the safest learning environments possible."