SHEBOYGAN, Wis. –A successful launch and first year of enrollment have prompted Lakeshore College and the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay to expand the new FORWARD program to include students wishing to pursue a psychology or business degree. The FORWARD program supports students in the Sheboygan area, saving both time and money for each student while allowing them to stay within the region and meet local workforce needs. All classes are offered locally at the Lakeshore College Cleveland Campus, the UW-Green Bay, Sheboygan Campus and online. 

In addition to education and nursing, FORWARD students may enroll in the psychology or business options as soon as Fall of 2026 by visiting www.lakeshoretouwgb.com.

The sharing of resources provides students who enroll in the FORWARD program a local solution to a four-year degree in high-demand fields. FORWARD leverages the strengths of both institutions while directly impacting the needs of the local labor force.

Current FORWARD students highlight the affordability and seamless transition between institutions. “The FORWARD program in nursing has been a great pathway for me as I work toward earning my BSN,” said current FORWARD student Isabella Jacky. “Starting at Lakeshore College for my associate degree and then continuing to UW-Green Bay for my bachelor’s has made the process feel much more manageable and structured. One of the biggest advantages of this program is the cost savings. Beginning at a technical college has allowed me to complete a large portion of my education at a much lower cost, while still gaining strong clinical skills and hands-on experience. I feel prepared and confident to handle more advanced coursework without the financial stress.”  

According to Lakeshore enrollment data, participation in the nursing and education FORWARD programs has shown steady and consistent growth across academic terms:

  • Fall 2025: 50 enrolled students
  • Spring 2026: 56 students
  • Summer 2026: 55 students
  • Fall 2026 (YTD): 70 students

This represents a 40% increase in active/enrolled students from Fall 2025 to Fall 2026 YTD, demonstrating growing awareness of and demand for the FORWARD program among learners in the Lakeshore region. 

Providing an affordable, locally accessible option for students interested in psychology, business, education and nursing removes barriers to degree pursuit and creates a clear educational pipeline. Dual enrollment high school students, recent graduates or those already in the workforce have a seamless option to move from college to a career in critical fields. The FORWARD program creates a pathway to success for students and employers.

“I have really valued the support from instructors and advisors. They have made me feel confident that I am on the right path,” said FORWARD education student Kaiya Ramaker. “Knowing that I can complete my degree locally and then give back to schools in this community makes this program even more meaningful.” 

This forward-thinking partnership directly impacts the local community. Students have the opportunity to begin by earning their associate degree with Lakeshore in Cleveland or at the UW-Green Bay, Sheboygan Campus, and finish with a bachelor’s degree at UW-Green Bay, Sheboygan Campus. For the first time in this area, interested students can receive an affordable four-year degree from a public university close to home. 

Additionally, FORWARD students have the added benefits associated with enrollment at both institutions, enjoying the university experience through UW-Green Bay while receiving personalized support and cost savings from beginning their educational journey at Lakeshore. 

Students interested in learning more about the FORWARD program can visit www.lakeshoretouwgb.com. 

About Lakeshore College

Lakeshore College is a nationally recognized two-year college. The college was ranked #2 in the nation by Washington Monthly, #17 in the nation by Forbes, #2 in the state by WalletHub.com, a top 150 two-year college by the Aspen Institute, a 2024 Bellwether Award winner, and named the 2021 Large Business/Industry of the Year by the Chamber of Manitowoc County.

Approximately 800 students graduate from Lakeshore each year, and associate degree graduates report earning a median salary of $62,395 within six months of graduating. In addition to the Cleveland campus, Lakeshore educates students at learning campuses in Sheboygan and downtown Manitowoc. Classes are also offered at additional sites throughout the district. Visit Lakeshore at lakeshore.edu.

About UW-Green Bay
The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay is a school of resilient problem solvers who dare to reach higher with the power of education that ignites growth and answers the biggest challenges. Serving 11,519 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students as well as 101,000 continuing education learners annually, UW-Green Bay offers 200 academic degrees, programs and certificates. Featuring the region’s only Division-1 athletics, The Weidner performing arts center, campus locations in Green Bay, Manitowoc and Sheboygan, and a theatre in Marinette, the University’s access mission welcomes all who want to learn, from every corner of the world. Championing bold thinking since opening its doors in 1965, it is a university on the rise – Wisconsin’s fastest growing UW. For more information, visit www.uwgb.edu.