Community College Month in Michigan: Celebrating innovation in education and economic opportunity for all
Lansing, MI - The Michigan Community College Association (MCCA) today announced that Gov. Whitmer has proclaimed April 2024 as Community College Month in Michigan, recognizing the value community colleges play in offering valuable, experiential and flexible educational opportunities and closing the skills gap across the state.
“Community colleges make learning affordable and accessible for everyone,” said Brandy Johnson, President of the Michigan Community College Association. “Whether it’s the university student who takes summer classes to save on tuition, or the single parent who works while earning a nursing degree, the flexibility and adaptability offered at a community college is unmatched.”
Michigan is home to 31 community and tribal colleges across the state. The educational resources at these colleges provide practical job training as well as affordable tuition to ensure the prosperity of Michigan’s workforce for years to come.
In recent years, community colleges have become an integral part of Michigan’s overall economic development strategy, showing innovation and flexibility in developing curriculums that are responsive to their local economy’s needs. Partnerships with area businesses help create academic and workforce training programs designed specifically to fill the needs of employers and to qualify students for jobs that pay living wages - a dire need in today’s labor market.
“Last year, community college enrollment was up significantly, showing that community colleges are being well-utilized as a valued part of our communities,” said Robert Proctor, Lansing Community College Trustee and Board Chair of the MCCA. “The definition of success is different for every student that comes through our doors, but consistent across all community colleges is that they provide access and affordable opportunities so that everyone can attain the academic and job skills they seek. This month, we’re focused on celebrating the many ways students find success at their local community college.”
Michelle Richard, Acting Director of the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement and Potential, said: “Every Michigander deserves a path to prosperity, and for many people that means earning a skill certificate or associate degree at their local community college. Today it’s more affordable than ever for students to get the skills they need, thanks to bipartisan scholarships like Michigan Reconnect and the Michigan Achievement Scholarship. We’re proud to partner with the Michigan Community College Association to continue making progress toward the state’s goal of getting 60 percent of Michigan’s workforce to attain learning beyond high school by 2030. Community colleges are a major partner in achieving this goal, due to their close collaboration with local employers, high schools, and other educational institutions.”
By the numbers:
280,000 Michiganders are enrolled at the state’s community colleges;
19,900 degrees and 7,000 certificates are granted each year;
52 percent of students who earn bachelor’s degrees have completed courses at a community college;
3.7 percent - growth in community college enrollment last year;
Top Ten status - Michigan is a top ten state for transfer rates.
MCC, an Achieving the Dream Leader College, is fully accredited, offers a variety of degree and certificate options, and comprehensive support services including free tutoring, transportation support, and a food pantry. The main campus, located at 221 S. Quarterline in Muskegon, provides several community resources including the Kasey Hartz Natural Area, golf course, science museum, health and wellness center, theater, art gallery, and a free planetarium. Visit www.muskegoncc.edu to learn more.
20 сен 2024
