Taylor Lucas

Tri-C's CCP Program Leads to Accelerated Success

The average age of a student at Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C®) is 26, but alumna Taylor Lucas is anything but average — she became a Triceratops at 14.

While a student at Strongsville High School, Lucas enrolled in Tri-C through Ohio’s College Credit Plus (CCP) program, which allows eligible students in grades seven through 12 to earn high school and college credit at the same time. With her CCP tuition covered by the state, Lucas was able to get a jump start on her college education without incurring any out-of-pocket expenses.

Although some of Lucas's CCP classes were taught at Strongsville High School by qualified teachers, she also took classes online and at Tri-C's Metropolitan Campus. Being on campus allowed Lucas to access the wide array of student support services at Tri-C. 

"As a younger student, the tutors who revised my papers did not make me feel disadvantaged by my age or lack of knowledge but supported my growth as a writer, clarified my interests, and encouraged me to keep coming back," Lucas said. "This support, along with the flexibility Tri-C offers to meet diverse student needs, was crucial in exceeding my expectations. It showed me that it's okay to ask for help and to see it as a meaningful part of my educational journey."

Being a Tri-C student also opened opportunities for participation and leadership.

"Through Tri-C, I joined the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and held positions such as vice president of communications for Phi Theta Kappa and secretary of Circle K International, which taught me a great deal about volunteerism and serving the community," she said.

Because Lucas was able to take so many CCP classes, she had already earned an Associate of Arts degree and an Associate of Science degree before graduating from high school. She then enrolled in Cleveland State University's Honors College as a Mandel Scholar.

"CSU accepted all of my Tri-C credits, which allowed me to double major in English and marketing," she said.

The dedication to service that Lucas nurtured at Tri-C has continued. She currently serves as a resident assistant at CSU. In that role, she builds relationships with students, supports the CSU community, and responds to situations during duty shifts. She's also continued to excel academically at CSU, receiving an Undergraduate Summer Research Award and a scholarship to study abroad in Hungary.

When Lucas graduates from CSU in May, she's heading to Florida to participate in the Disney College Program to further develop her professional skills. And although she might be finishing her undergraduate experience as a CSU Viking, Lucas will never forget where she got her start.

"I will always be a Triceratops," she said. "Tri-C is unique because it genuinely values and celebrates every student. I always felt that my accomplishments and growth were recognized. I am so grateful to Tri-C for offering students like me a world of opportunity."