North Central Michigan College (NCMC) in Petoskey has recently secured a significant financial boost, totaling $6 million, 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, specifically in the fields of skilled trades and dental hygiene.
The funding, allocated in Michigan's fiscal year 2027 budget, was signed into law by Governor Gretchen Whitmer on July 21. NCMC President David Roland Finley expressed his enthusiasm about the grant, noting the uncertainty surrounding capital outlay requests and the importance of such support for educational initiatives.
The $6 million includes approximately $3.47 million for the construction and facility costs of the proposed Skilled Trades Education Pathways Center (STEP Center) and $2.5 million for the purchase and renovation of a dental hygiene clinic. The STEP Center, set to expand the Martin Jahn Technology Center, will add approximately 10,000 square feet to the facility, allowing for increased hands-on training in trades such as carpentry, plumbing, welding, and HVAC.
This expansion is part of a larger $22 million Career and Technical Education Enhancement project at NCMC, which is designed to bolster workforce training in health care, technology, and skilled trades. The college expects that this and other related projects will enhance its capacity to train approximately 350 students annually in high-demand fields.
Finley emphasized the state's eagerness to see these projects move forward quickly, reflecting the importance of timely workforce development. NCMC has been actively focused on workforce training and education in recent years, with a strong reputation for transfer education and its standalone nursing program.
The dental hygiene program, set to launch in Fall 2028, is anticipated to enroll around 15 students. The program, which will take three to three and a half years to complete, is crucial to addressing the state's projected need for an additional 200 dental hygienists, including in northern Michigan.
The demand for dental hygienists is high, as Finley explained, noting the difficulty residents face in securing dental appointments due to a shortage of hygienists. Graduates of the program can expect to earn approximately $80,000 annually, offering a promising career with a good work/life balance.
The STEP Center is expected to include up to six different laboratories and be completed by 2030 at the latest. While NCMC still needs to raise additional funds to supplement the state award, the impact on the college's construction trades coursework will be substantial.
The initiative also includes fast-track programs for students focused on careers, offering both college credit and non-credit workforce training options. This comprehensive approach aligns with the administration's growth goals, which aim to support traditional enrollment and non-traditional instruction.
NCMC currently enrolls nearly 1,800 students in traditional programs and another 400-500 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 the college's commitment to meeting the needs of area residents. "We wouldn't be doing this if we weren't trying to grow," he said, highlighting the importance of supporting the aspirations of eager learners seeking to secure good living wages and year-round employment in northern Michigan.
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