North Central Michigan College launches $20 million initiative with campus renovations and expansions

What happens: A Petoskey community college reached a major milestone on Monday, June 17, as the date marked the official launch of the first phase of its $20 million initiative to redefine education in healthcare, manufacturing and skilled trades. North Central Michigan College’s Career and Technical Education Enhancement (CATEE) project has begun in earnest.

What is it: North Central Michigan College in Petoskey this month launched its CATEE project, a two-phase, $20 million initiative whose first phase will renovate and expand the school’s Health Education and Science Center. The second phase, expected to begin in early 2025, will demolish the school’s 59-year-old technology building to make way for an expanded, state-of-the-art technology center. The first phase is expected to be completed sometime in early 2025, while the second is expected to be completed by fall 2026.

Why it is: “CATEE is a groundbreaking investment aimed at revolutionizing education in healthcare, manufacturing and skilled trades – three dynamic sectors that form the backbone of our regional, state and national economies,” said David Roland Finley, president of North Central. “Data from the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget shows that nearly all of the in-demand, well-paying careers available to associate degree graduates are in these important fields.”

What is planned: The CATEE project will renovate and expand North Central’s Health Education and Science Center, including a 7,000-square-foot addition with modern classrooms, clinical, simulation and laboratory space for programs. The expansion is expected to bring an additional 150 health professionals into the workforce each year. The new technology center will train approximately 200 students in high-demand disciplines such as robotics, engineering, welding and computer-aided drafting and design.

What you say: “We are currently actively raising funds to support this transformative initiative, and we invite others to join us in creating more opportunities for local learners,” says Chelsea Platte, Vice President of Advancement and Executive Director of the NCMC Foundation. “Community support is key to creating future opportunities and changing lives.”

Visit North Central Michigan College online to learn more about the CATEE project.

Want to keep us updated on development history? Email or tweet MJ Galbraith here. @mikegalbraith.

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