North Central Michigan College (NCMC) in Petoskey has recently secured a substantial $6 million grant from the state of Michigan. This funding is set to bolster the college's capacity to train students for high-demand jobs in the region, particularly in skilled trades and dental hygiene. The announcement comes as the college embarks on a transformative expansion to better serve its students and the local community.
The grant, included in Michigan's fiscal year 2027 budget, will be utilized to support the construction and facility costs associated with the Skilled Trades Education Pathways Center and the establishment of a dental hygiene clinic. NCMC President David Roland Finley expressed the college's excitement over the award, emphasizing the potential impact of the new programs.
"We're thrilled to be getting this capital outlay request," Finley said. "It differs based on the availability of the funding, so this is a significant achievement for our college."
The STEP Center, which will add approximately 10,000 square feet to the new Martin Jahn Technology Center, is designed to expand hands-on training opportunities in construction trades such as carpentry, plumbing, welding, and HVAC. Additionally, the facility will support student activities in manufacturing and engineering technology.
The Martin Jahn Technology Center is part of a larger $22 million Career and Technical Education Enhancement project aimed at strengthening local workforce training in healthcare, technology, and skilled trades. According to NCMC data, this expansion will increase the college's capacity by approximately 350 students annually in high-demand fields.
"The state wants to see these projects happen as quickly as possible," Finley noted. While the state's Department of Technology, Management and Budget still requires final approval, NCMC is poised to make a significant impact on the local workforce.
In recent years, NCMC has focused on workforce training and education, known for its programs in transfer education and standalone nursing program. The college's commitment to providing diverse career opportunities is evident in the expansion plans for the skilled trades area, which include fast-track programs for students aiming for career-focused education.
"We wanted to do more than serve our host communities," Finley said. "We have many eager learners who want to earn a good living with a year-round position in northern Michigan."
The dental hygiene program, set to launch in Fall 2028, will initially enroll around 15 students. The program is expected to take three to three and a half years to complete. NCMC aims to expand the program, accommodating more students each year to meet the projected demand. The Michigan Department of Labor anticipates a need for an additional 200 dental hygienists to meet the state's demand, including in northern Michigan.
The new program is expected to have a significant impact on the local healthcare industry, which faces challenges in scheduling dental appointments due to a shortage of hygienists. "Graduates can start to earn $80,000 a year immediately and have an opportunity for a career with great work/life balance," Finley said.
The proposed STEP Center is expected to include up to six different laboratories and will be completed by 2030 at the latest. While NCMC is still in the process of raising additional funds to supplement the state award, the college's construction trades coursework is poised to see a significant boost.
NCMC currently serves nearly 1,800 traditional students and another 400-500 in non-credit, workforce training programs. The college also offers lifelong learning workshops that have supported thousands of residents over the years.
"We wouldn't be doing this if we weren't trying to grow," Finley said. "It's all about supporting the needs of area residents."
This latest funding will undoubtedly help NCMC in its mission to provide high-quality education and training to the local community, contributing to the region's economic and workforce development.
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