Thursday, April 16, 2026

Students at every stage of their educational journey—from graduating high school seniors to returning adult learners—are invited to register for fall semester classes at Muskegon Community College beginning April 20, 2026.

This fall signals a significant moment for higher education along the Lakeshore, with expanded access through the Muskegon Area Promise and the launch of new and reimagined academic programs designed to meet today’s workforce demands.

Beginning in Fall 2026, the Muskegon Area Promise no longer includes a high school grade point average (GPA) requirement for eligibility, broadening access for students across the region. The expansion also introduces a retroactive scholarship for graduates from 2015 through the present. In addition, all Promise Scholarship recipients are eligible for a $500 per semester allowance for books, supplies, and required course materials, with a maximum annual total of $1,500.

Alongside expanded access, MCC is introducing a new one-year Data Science certificate program, available for the first time this fall. The program can be completed in just two semesters and includes a newly developed artificial intelligence course, providing students with in-demand skills in data analysis, automation, and emerging technologies.

The college is also unveiling a reworked Electrical Engineering Technology degree, redesigned to better align with current industry needs and prepare graduates for careers in advanced manufacturing, automation, and electrical systems.

Students and community members will also have the opportunity to learn about multiple ways to help pay for college—including financial aid, grants, scholarships, Muskegon Area Promise, and Michigan Reconnect. Representatives from Muskegon Promise, FAFSA, and Reconnect will be available to explain available resources and guide attendees through the application process for financial assistance.

For those who have not yet earned a high school diploma or GED, representatives from the TRIO Educational Opportunity Center will be on site to provide guidance and resources for completing those credentials. A Spanish translator will also be available to assist attendees as needed.

“When you combine broader access through the Promise with programs built around today’s technology, it creates real momentum for students and for our entire community, ” said Dan Rinsema-Sybenga, Dean of Academic Affairs. “There has never been a better time to enroll at MCC than there is right now.”

MCC offers more than 70 programs and areas of study, including high-demand fields such as business, computer information systems, CNC, and health services—programs designed to lead directly to in-demand careers across West Michigan.

To get started, prospective students can apply online at https://muskegoncc.elluciancrmrecruit.com/Apply/Account/Create.