Petoskey, Michigan – 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 expanding the college's capacity to train students for high-demand jobs in the region.
The grant, which was included in Michigan's fiscal year 2027 budget, will be used to support construction and facility costs for skilled trades and dental hygiene initiatives. NCMC President David Roland Finley expressed his excitement about the funding, noting that securing such a significant amount was a testament to the college's commitment to providing quality education and workforce training.
The grant 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 dental hygiene clinic. The STEP Center, set to be part of the new Martin Jahn Technology Center, is expected to add around 10,000 square feet of space and will focus on enhancing hands-on training in construction 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 aims to strengthen local workforce training in health care, technology, and skilled trades. The project is expected to increase the college's capacity by approximately 350 students annually in high-demand fields.
Finley emphasized the state's eagerness to see these projects move forward quickly. "The state wants to see these projects happen as quickly as possible," he said, adding that the college is working closely with the state's Department of Technology, Management, and Budget to secure final approval for the STEP Center.
NCMC has a long-standing reputation for its workforce training and education programs. The college is known for its transfer education programs for students aiming to complete a four-year degree elsewhere, as well as its standalone nursing program. However, the new initiatives represent a significant expansion of the college's career development opportunities.
The dental hygiene program, set to launch in Fall 2028, is particularly significant. The program is expected to take three to three and a half years to complete and will initially enroll around 15 students. NCMC hopes to expand the program in the future to meet the projected demand for dental hygienists, which is expected to grow by another 200 in Michigan, including in northern Michigan.
Finley highlighted the importance of the dental hygiene program, noting that the shortage of hygienists is a major challenge in the state. "It's one reason why it is hard to get a dental appointment anywhere. We don't have enough hygienists," he said. "This program will require very intensive learning. But graduates can start to earn $80,000 a year immediately and have an opportunity for a career with great (work/life) balance."
The proposed STEP Center is expected to include up to six different laboratories and is set to 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 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.
Finley concluded by emphasizing the college's dedication to 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."
The $6 million grant represents a significant investment in the future of education and workforce development in northern Michigan, and NCMC is poised to make a substantial impact on the region's economy and workforce.
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