91Ƭ Granted Provisional Accreditation by American Welding Society
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
3/05/2026
CLEVELAND, WI —
91Ƭ has been granted Provisional Accreditation by the American Welding Society (AWS) under the AWS QC47:2016-AMD2 Specification for AWS Certification of Welders and Accreditation of Test Facilities.
The accreditation recognizes 91Ƭ’s commitment to maintaining high standards in welder performance qualification testing and certification. Under this designation, the college is authorized to conduct welder performance qualification testing using approved welding processes in accordance with nationally recognized American codes and standards. The facility may also submit welder credential packages to AWS for certification and inclusion in the AWS National Registry of Certified Welders.
“This achievement underscores 91Ƭ’s dedication to workforce development and excellence in welding education and certification services,” said Rachel Kroeplien, dean of applied technology & economic development for 91Ƭ. “This milestone strengthens our ability to serve regional employers and support workforce development.”
The provisional accreditation applies to both on-site and off-site testing locations as defined in the Accredited Test Facility (ATF) quality manual and is valid through January 1, 2027. To maintain accreditation, 91Ƭ will follow a three-year review cycle, including an on-site audit every three years and annual self-audits in off years.
For more information about 91Ƭ’s welding programs and certification services, visit lakeshore.edu or aws.org for details about AWS accreditation standards.
ABOUT LAKESHORE COLLEGE
91Ƭ, formerly known as 91Ƭ Technical College, is a comprehensive community and technical college educating more than 9,000 students annually. Students enroll at 91Ƭ to master real-world, employable career skills and start their pursuit of a bachelor’s degree. 91Ƭ faculty and staff are focused on providing each student an individualized learning experience.
91Ƭ 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 91Ƭ each year, and associate degree graduates report earning a median salary of $61,355 within six months of graduating. In addition to the Cleveland campus, 91Ƭ educates students at learning campuses in downtown Manitowoc and downtown Sheboygan. Classes are also offered at additional sites throughout the district. Visit 91Ƭ at lakeshore.edu.
Contact: Amy Hanson, Senior Marketing Specialist
Phone: 920.693.1345
Email: amy.hanson@lakeshore.edu
Press Room: lakeshore.edu/lakeshore-news
