The most in-demand jobs currently going unfilled across Michigan will get a strong potential boost today thanks to a grant received by the Michigan Community College Association (MCCA).
The association announced today that they have received an $800,000 grant to improve student access to programs in growth areas that lead to in-demand jobs.
The grant, awarded by Madison, Wisconsin-based Ascendium Education Group, will assist Michigan’s community colleges in strengthening access to workforce development programs in six growth industries, including:
- Health professions
- Applied business
- Protective services
- Engineering technologies
- Computer and information sciences
- Applied technology/skilled trades
Mike Hansen, President of the Michigan Community College Association, says, “This grant gives us the opportunity to deliver for students, helping them gain skills that will lead to successful careers,” and adds, “Community colleges are preparing to welcome new students to campus right now through Futures for Frontliners and Michigan Reconnect programs. These programs make a real difference in real lives, and these skills have never been more important.”
The Michigan Center for Student Success (MCSS) is leading the effort for the MCCA and will collaborate with Aspen Institute, Community College Research Center, Jobs for the Future, and Achieving the Dream. The effort will bolster the work already underway on the campuses of Michigan’s community colleges to improve student outcomes.
Erica Orians, Executive Director for MCSS, says, “This work will build upon a decade of collaborative student success work in Michigan,” and adds, “We’re grateful to Ascendium for their visionary leadership and for their investment in Michigan’s community colleges.”
Through the project, MCCA will help community colleges ensure that programs are designed with local labor market needs and industry-recognized credentials in mind. The grant also will assist in efforts to maintain student momentum and progress toward bachelor’s degrees.
Peter Provenzano, Chancellor of Oakland Community College and MCCA Executive Committee member, says, “Community colleges are constantly thinking about how the programs we offer are preparing graduates for the work of the future,” and concludes, “This work will help our college and MCCA member colleges across the state improve clear pathways to associate and bachelor’s degrees.”
