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 will support construction and facility costs for skilled trades and dental hygiene initiatives, as announced by NCMC President David Roland Finley.
The funding, which was included in Michigan's fiscal year 2027 budget, was signed into law by Governor Gretchen Whitmer on July 21. Finley expressed his excitement about the grant, noting the uncertainty surrounding capital outlay requests and the importance of securing such funding.
The $6 million allocation includes approximately $3.47 million for the proposed Skilled Trades Education Pathways Center (STEP Center) and $2.5 million for the purchase and renovation of a planned dental hygiene clinic. The STEP Center, set to be part of the Martin Jahn Technology Center, will add around 10,000 square feet to the existing facility, which is scheduled to open on August 31.
The expansion of the Martin Jahn Technology Center is part of a broader $22 million Career and Technical Education Enhancement project at NCMC. This project is designed to strengthen local workforce training in health care, technology, and skilled trades, aiming to increase the college's capacity by about 350 students annually in high-demand fields.
The STEP Center will offer hands-on training in various construction trades, including carpentry, plumbing, welding, and HVAC, as well as support for student activities in manufacturing and engineering technology. The state's Department of Technology, Management and Budget will require final approval once construction plans for the STEP Center are completed.
NCMC has been focusing on workforce training and education in recent years, offering programs in transfer education and a standalone nursing program. The new initiatives are part of the college's commitment to serving its host communities and providing opportunities for career development.
The dental hygiene program, set to launch in Fall 2028, is expected to enroll around 15 students. The program will take three to three and a half years to complete, and NCMC hopes to expand it in the future to meet the projected demand for dental hygienists. The Michigan Department of Labor estimates that another 200 dental hygienists will be needed to meet the state's demand, including in northern Michigan.
The need for dental hygienists is particularly acute, as Finley explained: "It's one reason why it is hard to get a dental appointment anywhere. We don't have enough hygienists." Graduates of the program can expect to earn $80,000 a year immediately, with opportunities for a great work/life balance.
The proposed STEP Center will include up to six different laboratories, with construction 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 courses for 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 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.
"This includes traditional enrollment and non-traditional instruction," Finley said. "It's all about supporting the needs of area residents." The college's commitment to providing education and training opportunities is clear, and the $6 million grant will undoubtedly help in achieving its goals.
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