North Central Michigan College (NCMC) in Petoskey has recently been awarded a substantial $6 million grant from the state of Michigan. This funding will be instrumental in launching two new programs aimed at preparing students for high-demand jobs in the region. The grant, which was included in Michigan's fiscal year 2027 budget, was signed into law by Governor Gretchen Whitmer on July 21.
The grant will be used to support the construction and facility costs for two key initiatives: the Skilled Trades Education Pathways Center and a dental hygiene clinic. NCMC President David Roland Finley expressed his excitement about the funding, noting that the college had been eagerly awaiting the approval of this capital outlay request.
The Skilled Trades Education Pathways Center, which is expected to cost approximately $3.47 million, will add around 10,000 square feet to the college's new Martin Jahn Technology Center. This expansion is designed to enhance hands-on training in various construction trades, including carpentry, plumbing, welding, and HVAC. Additionally, the center will support student activities related to manufacturing and engineering technology.
The construction of the Martin Jahn Technology Center is part of a larger $22 million Career and Technical Education Enhancement project at NCMC. This project is aimed at strengthening the local workforce training in health care, technology, and skilled trades. The college anticipates that this and other related projects will increase its capacity to train about 350 students annually in high-demand fields.
Finley emphasized that the state's Department of Technology, Management and Budget still requires final approval for the STEP Center's construction plans before the funding can be fully utilized. However, he expressed optimism that the state is eager to see these projects move forward quickly.
NCMC has a long-standing commitment to workforce training and education. The college is well-known for its transfer education programs for students seeking to complete a four-year degree elsewhere, as well as its standalone nursing program. The new initiatives are part of the college's broader goal to serve not just its host communities but also the eager learners who seek to secure good, year-round employment in northern Michigan.
The dental hygiene program, which is set to launch in Fall 2028 with around 15 students, is expected to take three to three and a half years to complete. NCMC hopes to expand the program in the future, allowing more students to enroll each year. This is particularly important given the state's projected need for an additional 200 dental hygienists to meet demand, including in northern Michigan.
Finley noted that the lack of dental hygienists is a significant issue, making it difficult for residents to secure dental appointments. Graduates of the program can expect to earn approximately $80,000 a year immediately upon completion, offering a promising career with a good work/life balance.
The proposed STEP Center will include up to six different laboratories and is expected to be completed by 2030 at the latest. NCMC will need to raise additional funds to supplement the state award, but the impact on the college's construction trades coursework will be significant.
"We want to expand in the skilled trades area by offering fast-track programs for students that are career-focused," Finley said. This includes both college credit and non-credit workforce training offerings, all of which tie into the administration's growth goals.
NCMC currently has a traditional enrollment of nearly 1,800 students, with another 400-500 enrolled in non-credit, workforce training programs. The college also hosts lifelong learning workshops that have supported thousands of residents over the years.
Finley concluded by emphasizing that the college's efforts are all about supporting the needs of area residents. "We wouldn't be doing this if we weren't trying to grow," he said. "It's all about supporting the needs of area residents."
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