LBW Community College is already preparing for fall semester with the start of registration set for July 11, and running through the beginning of classes on Aug. 18.

“If you intend to go to college this fall, you need to start now by completing an application packet, including official transcripts from high school or GED and all previous colleges,” said Renée LeMaire, public information officer and director of marketing.

The next step is to complete the online U.S. Department of Education’s free application for federal student aid (FAFSA), an annual requirement for all federally-funded financial aid including Pell Grant, work study, and federal loans.

“When completing the FAFSA application at www.fafsa.gov, be sure to include LBW’s code of 008988,” said LeMaire. “LBW will receive the application, but you should contact the financial aid office at the campus you wish to attend and request that it be processed.”

COMPASS placement tests are required for all incoming students unless they have documentation of scoring 20 or higher on all portions of the ACT.  Dates for COMPASS testing at LBWCC in Greenville are 1 p.m. on July 9, July 16 and Aug. 6; and 5:30 p.m. on July 31. Call 382-2133 extension 3101 for more information.

“Incoming freshmen should register for orientation on the Greenville campus by contacting Heather Owen at 334-881-2320 or email howen@lbwcc.edu. Orientation will be held July 21.

“LBW offers great value for education dollars, whether seeking a two-year degree in academic transfer programs or technical training for future or current jobs,” said LeMaire.

“With announcements of additional tuition increases at four-year institutions, LBW becomes an even better financial choice. Our faculty is required to have the same level of credentials as those at universities and students have more opportunity for interaction at LBW because of smaller class sizes.”

In addition, LBW offers several technical programs of study on various campuses, many of which are in high-demand, high-wage fields, she added.

“We have the caliber of technical faculty to produce students who have won gold medals in state and national competition.  Our instructors offer a lot of hands-on experience for students while they are training so they are better prepared to enter the workforce,” said LeMaire.

LBWCC’s career technical programs that can be completed in five semesters include Computer Science, Emergency Medical Services, Forest Technology, Industrial Electronics, and Office Administration – Medical Office Option.

In only four semesters at LBWCC, students can complete programs in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, Automotive Mechanics, Child Development, Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ultrasound), Diesel and Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Practical Nursing (LPN), and Welding.

Other technical programs at LBWCC that can be completed in one, two or three semesters include Child Development Short Certificate, Consumable Arc Welding Processes, Cosmetology, Culinary Arts, EMT-Basic, Advanced EMT, Esthetics Technology, Forest Worker/Aide, Microcomputer Application Specialist, and Nail Technology.

There are additional requirements for two of LBWCC’s three-semester health sciences programs, said LeMaire.

“While the Associate Degree Nursing Mobility and Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ultrasound) programs can also be completed in three semesters, both require prerequisite courses, faculty interviews and formal acceptance into the programs.”

For individuals without a high school diploma, LBWCC offers free adult education and GED preparation classes.

For more information about LBWCC and the campus locations for any of the technical programs, visit the website at www.lbwcc.edu or call (334) 382-2133 ext. 3105.