Muskegon Community College (MCC) has been designated as a Sub-recipient of the Strengthening Community Colleges Training Grant, securing over $1 million from the U.S. Department of Labor. This allocation is part of the efforts led by Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC).
On April 10, 2024, GRCC received notification through United States Senator Gary Peters’ office regarding the approval of their Department of Labor (DOL) Strengthening Community Colleges (SCC) Round 4 grant application, totaling $5.5 million. MCC, as a sub-awardee, will receive $1.1 million of this funding.
“Michigan’s community colleges play an important role in building a talent pipeline for the good-paying jobs available across our state,” said U.S. Senator Gary Peters. “I was proud to support funding for this grant program, which will allow Muskegon Community College to strengthen its workforce development programs and help prepare students for in-demand careers.”
The grant activities at MCC will primarily target the employment sector of Computer Information Systems, with a focus on various career programs incorporating CIS, including manufacturing. A new Data Science academic certificate program will be established, supported by funding for curriculum development, equipment, and student tuition. Tuition support will also be extended to students in all CIS and related programs. Noncredit training programs will be developed for Data Analytics, Computer Networking, and general CIS concepts.
“Muskegon Community College extends its deepest appreciation to United States Senator Gary Peters and the Department of Labor Strengthening Community Colleges grant program,” said Dr. John Selmon, President of Muskegon Community College. “At MCC, we are committed to replenishing West Michigan’s talent pipeline in the manufacturing and computer information system fields, and this grant will further our mission of producing well-prepared graduates poised to excel in the workforce.”
Strengthening Community Colleges Training Grants aim to “build community colleges’ capacity to meet the skill development needs of employers and equitably support students in obtaining good jobs in in-demand industries. Sector-based career pathways programs, which evidence shows support employment outcomes, are foundational to the grant program.”
This grant follows a similar structure to two other GRCC/MCC grants, including the DOL SCC Round 1 grant related to healthcare and the DOL One Workforce grant related to Manufacturing. Both initiatives are tentatively planned to conclude in January 2025 after four-year grant periods.