MCC to Receive $4.1 Million Skilled Trades Equipment Program Grant

Muskegon Community College will receive $4.1 million as part of the statewide $50 million Community College Skilled Trades Equipment Program, an effort to help close a talent gap and meet a demand for good-paying jobs.

Announced by Gov. Rick Snyder in October, the grant program was created to provide funding that enables Michigan community colleges to purchase equipment required for educational programs in high-wage, high-skill, and high-demand occupations. Earlier today, the Michigan Strategic Fund authorized issuing bonds to fund the program.

“We are positioning Michigan to become the national leader in developing talent,” Snyder said. “This serious investment — one of the largest of its kind in the country – will tap our top-notch community colleges and help new students and adults looking for new opportunities gain the skills sought by companies looking to grow and expand, creating more and better jobs in Michigan.”

“We are ecstatic about how this award is going to impact our programs,” stated MCC President Dale Nesbary. “The timing is perfect as we implement our renovation of the former Muskegon Chronicle facility, and create college programs that reach the community in Newaygo County. These funds are going to allow us to improve programs that directly lead to jobs in these communities.”

MCC’s allocation of $4,105,446 requires an additional $2,641,987 in matching funds for a total of $6,641,987. The match is being provided by funds approved by Muskegon County voters to create a downtown Muskegon facility. The program also requires collaboration with school districts and a detailed plan on how the funding will help meet employers’ job needs.

At MCC, the monies will be used to improve and develop programs at the new MCC Downtown Center, as well in Newaygo County. Downtown Center funds will provide new learning equipment in the existing Machining, Welding, Materials/Foundry, Electronics, and CAD disciplines. New programs that will receive funding for equipment purchase include: Mechatronics/Automation/Robotics and Plastic Technologies.

In Newaygo County funds will be used towards college programs related to Mechatronics/Automation/Robotics, Agricultural Production, and Food Processing that will build on the Newaygo County Regional Educational Service Agency’s plans to relocate career and technical education to the former Providence Christian High School facility.

“Expanding the number of skilled people in our world-class workforce is fundamental to furthering Michigan’s business-friendly reputation,” MEDC CEO Steve Arwood said. “This grant program requires unprecedented collaboration among private-sector employers and local educators with focused support from state government. Together, we will be laying a foundation that benefits our businesses and better matches our residents with good-paying, in-demand jobs.”