North Ridgeville Review The Community That Cares
Growing up in a single-parent household, North Ridgeville High grad Jordan Sas and her mom talked a lot about the importance and the realities of attending college. From those conversations, she knew attending a four-year university was a non-starter.
“I always understood that finances would play a big role in my decision,” Sas said. “I knew pretty early on that I would need to take responsibility for figuring out scholarships, choosing an affordable path, and making smart decisions.”
It was during her time at North Ridgeville High School that Sas learned what her smart decision was. She had an affordable, direct path to a bachelor’s degree at Lorain County Community College. Sas had taken several LCCC courses through College Credit Plus, which allows high school students to enroll in classes at LCCC and receive dual credit for high school requirements and for college credit. Early exposure to LCCC led Sas to the college’s University Partnership program which gives students access to bachelor’s and master’s degree programs from several four-year universities at a fraction of the cost.
“Choosing LCCC and the University Partnership was not just an academic decision, it was a financial and personal necessity,” Sas said. “Both made it possible for me to earn the degree I wanted from the school I wanted, at a cost that fit my situation.”
After her 2022 high school graduation, Sas began working toward her Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Kent State University through the University Partnership. She graduated in May 2025 and along the way, earned two associate degrees from LCCC. Today, Sas is working on her next degree—this time a Master of Business Administration from Kent State University.
Sas said all these degrees were in her reach because of LCCC’s affordability and accessibility. Beyond that, her participation in an LCCC support program called Students Accelerating in Learning (SAIL) was a game changer. SAIL takes a holistic approach to student success, combining financial, academic, and career planning support for students. The program, which has been recognized nationally as a best practice in community college student success, offers scholarships, book vouchers, and monthly gas and grocery assistance.
Jordan Sas and Whitney Hougland
In addition to financial support, SAIL students have monthly academic advising check-ins and integrated career and transfer advising. Sas’ career and academic advisement professional, Whitney Hougland, said the advising reaches well beyond course load.
“Academic advising not only helps with scheduling and completion, but we are here to talk about life, the good and the bad,” Hougland said. “We are here to bring some joy and light through a stressful time.”
Hougland said she gets to know her SAIL students well over their time in the program and, in turn, becomes a familiar constant in their lives. Her presence made a big difference in Jordan’s journey.
“SAIL was one of the most impactful parts of my experience at LCCC,” Sas said. “My advisor, Whitney Hougland, was an incredible source of support throughout my journey. Her encouragement, guidance, and willingness to help made a lasting difference in my college experience and helped me stay confident and motivated.”
Sas, who’s been working as an accounts receivable clerk at Shurtape Technologies in Avon for two years, plans to use her degrees to move into higher-level roles in finance or accounting.
“My long-term goal is to continue growing in the business field while creating financial stability for myself and my family,” Sas said.
Sas said that without LCCC, the University Partnership and SAIL, she’s not sure she would be where she is today— a 22-year-old with three degrees earned and her sights set on more.
“Without LCCC’s affordability, flexibility, and support services, achieving my degree would have been extremely difficult,” she said. “Instead of having to choose between work and school, LCCC allowed me to do both—and succeed.”
