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 will primarily support the construction and facility costs associated with the Skilled Trades Education Pathways Center and the establishment of a dental hygiene clinic. The funding was incorporated into Michigan's fiscal year 2027 budget, which was signed into law by Governor Gretchen Whitmer on July 21, 2026.
NCMC President David Roland Finley expressed his enthusiasm about the funding, noting, "We're thrilled to be getting this capital outlay request because you never know what you may or may not get. It differs based on the availability of the funding."
The grant includes approximately $3.47 million for the proposed Skilled Trades Education Pathways Center and $2.5 million for the dental hygiene clinic. The STEP Center will be an addition to NCMC's new Martin Jahn Technology Center, which is scheduled to open on August 31, 2026. This expansion is designed to significantly increase hands-on training opportunities in various construction trades, such as carpentry, plumbing, welding, and HVAC, as well as support activities related to manufacturing and engineering technology.
The Martin Jahn Technology Center is part of a larger $22 million Career and Technical Education Enhancement project at NCMC, which is intended to bolster workforce training in healthcare, technology, and skilled trades. According to NCMC data, this and other related projects are expected to increase the college's capacity by approximately 350 students annually in high-demand fields.
While awaiting final approval from the state's Department of Technology, Management and Budget, Finley emphasized the state's eagerness to see these projects proceed swiftly. "The state wants to see these projects happen as quickly as possible," he said.
NCMC has been actively focusing on workforce training and education in recent years, becoming known for its programs in transfer education for students seeking to complete a four-year degree elsewhere, as well as its standalone nursing program. However, the college is also exploring other career development opportunities.
"We wanted to do more than serve our host communities because we have many eager learners who want to earn a good living with a year-round position in (northern Michigan)," Finley explained.
The college plans to launch its dental hygiene program in Fall 2028, initially enrolling around 15 students. The program is expected to take three to three and a half years to complete. NCMC aims to expand the program over time, allowing more students to enroll each year. This expansion is crucial to meet the state's demand, as the Michigan Department of Labor projects that an additional 200 dental hygienists will be needed to address the state's overall demand, including in northern Michigan.
"The (dental hygiene) 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," Finley said.
The proposed STEP Center is expected to include up to six different laboratories, with construction completion by 2030 at the latest. Although 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 tied into the administration's growth goals.
NCMC currently has a traditional enrollment of nearly 1,800 students, with 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.
"This includes traditional enrollment and non-traditional instruction. It's all about supporting the needs of area residents," Finley concluded.
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