North Central Michigan College (NCMC) in Petoskey has recently been granted a substantial financial boost, securing $6 million from the state of Michigan. This funding will be utilized to launch two crucial programs aimed at training students for high-demand jobs in the region. The investment is part of the state's fiscal year 2027 budget, which was approved by Governor Gretchen Whitmer on July 21.
The funding breakdown includes approximately $3.47 million allocated for the construction and facility costs of NCMC's proposed Skilled Trades Education Pathways Center, along with $2.5 million designated for the purchase and renovation of a dental hygiene clinic. The college's president, David Roland Finley, expressed enthusiasm about the capital outlay request, noting that securing such funding can be unpredictable.
The Skilled Trades Education Pathways Center, known as the STEP Center, will see an expansion of roughly 10,000 square feet within NCMC's new Martin Jahn Technology Center, which is set to open on August 31. This expansion is designed to enhance hands-on training in a variety of construction trades, including carpentry, plumbing, welding, and HVAC, as well as support activities in manufacturing and engineering technology.
The Martin Jahn Technology Center is a key component of NCMC's $22 million Career and Technical Education Enhancement project, which aims to bolster local workforce training in healthcare, technology, and skilled trades. This project is expected to increase the college's capacity to educate about 350 students annually in high-demand fields, according to NCMC data.
Although the state's Department of Technology, Management, and Budget still requires final approval for the STEP Center's construction plans, Finley is optimistic about the project's swift progression. "The state wants to see these projects happen as quickly as possible," he commented.
NCMC has been actively focused on workforce training and education in recent years, gaining recognition for its programs in transfer education and its standalone nursing program. However, the college is also looking to expand its offerings in career development. "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 dental hygiene program is set to launch in Fall 2028, with an initial intake of around 15 students. The program is expected to take three to three and a half years to complete, and NCMC hopes to expand it in the future, allowing more students to enroll each year. This is particularly significant as the Michigan Department of Labor projects a need for an additional 200 dental hygienists to meet the state's demand, including in northern Michigan.
Finley highlighted the importance of the program, noting that the lack of dental hygienists contributes to the difficulty in securing dental appointments. "This program will require very intensive learning," he said. "But graduates can start to earn $80,000 a year immediately and have an opportunity for a career with great (work/life) balance."
The proposed STEP Center is expected to include up to six different laboratories, with construction completion anticipated by 2030. While NCMC still needs to raise additional funds to supplement the state award, the impact on the college's construction trades coursework will be substantial. "We want to expand in the skilled trades area by offering fast-track programs for students that are career-focused," Finley stated.
NCMC's commitment to growth includes traditional enrollment as well as non-traditional instruction. The college currently enrolls nearly 1,800 students and offers another 400-500 in non-credit, workforce training programs. Additionally, the college hosts lifelong learning workshops that have supported thousands of residents over the years.
The recent funding is a significant milestone for NCMC, as it positions the college to provide even more opportunities for students and the local community. "It's all about supporting the needs of area residents," Finley concluded.
*This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review:* [*NCMC lands $6 million for skilled trades, dental programs*](https://www.petoskeynews.com/story/news/2026/08/31/what-ncmcs-6-million-funding-means-for-students/91482726007/)
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