In Lorain County, Ohio, nearly everyone has a connection to Lorain County Community College (LCCC). Whether they’re returning to finish a GED, exploring a new career or building new skills, students come to LCCC ready to take the next step.
“97% of the people who live and work in this area attended Lorain County Community College,” says KaShala Smith, instructor and program director of the NRF Foundation Retail Training program at LCCC. Some students are just starting out. Others are starting over, earning a GED, building new skills, or preparing for a better job.
And across Ohio, those steps are leading to real results. A recent independent study by the Burning Glass Institute of nearly 6,500 NRF Foundation credential earners found an average $4,800 wage gain in the first year and $16,200 within five years, with 43% earning promotions and more than 60 starting their own businesses. At LCCC, those outcomes begin in the classroom.
That strong connection to education reflects the broader community. In Lorain County, more than 91% of adults have at least a high school diploma, with many continuing their education through community college or workforce programs.
At the same time, the workforce is rapidly evolving. Research shows that roughly 30% of the skills required for the average job have changed over the past decade, making access to relevant, flexible training more important than ever.
Lorain County Community College’s Aspire program meets that need head-on. The program offers free courses to students working toward a GED, serving adults who never finished high school, teens who have withdrawn and learners at every stage in between. Through Aspire, students can complete a six-week course at no cost, building skills that directly connect to career opportunities.
Smith has led this program for three years. Here’s how LCCC brings NRF Foundation Retail Training to life in the classroom.
LCCC instructors tailor the curriculum to fit their students’ needs, often by emphasizing hands-on, real-world learning.
“We do role play, which I think helps the students understand the vocabulary much better,” Smith says.
“We have a lot of fun with the videos,” she adds. Many of the built-in scenarios are interactive, prompting students to think through real situations. “We’ll reenact them, change the store or add circumstances that make the situation more realistic. We give them really tough situations,” she says. “I think this is what makes them feel more comfortable.”
Students also apply what they learn through projects. Those interested in entrepreneurship can develop and refine a business idea with Smith’s guidance, an experience that mirrors real outcomes seen across Ohio, where NRF Foundation credential holders have already launched dozens of their own businesses.
“One student in particular is in cosmetology school and wanted to develop her own skincare line,” Smith says. “We are eager to support her. I really enjoy watching their ideas go from just an idea to coming to fruition.”
Many Aspire students are working to move beyond entry-level roles. “They’re trying to climb out of that,” Smith says. Across Ohio and nationwide, advancement increasingly depends on building in-demand skills that align with employer needs. Short-term credentials and targeted training can play a critical role in helping workers increase earnings and move into better opportunities.
The outcomes for NRF Foundation credential earners reflect that impact. In Ohio, many participants see higher wages within their first year, and over time, those gains continue to grow alongside increased responsibilities, promotions and even entrepreneurial ventures.
At LCCC, Smith sees that transformation firsthand. “Students who go through the program are more polished and they’re prepared to give themselves a raise,” she says. One of the most valuable aspects of NRF Foundation Retail Training, she notes, is its focus on customer service, a skill that translates across industries and careers.
“Customer service is the lifeblood of every company that’s doing well,” she says. “If you want to be an asset, or build a business of your own, you need to know how to treat your customers well. NRF Foundation Retail Training is a great place to start.”
