Muskegon County has the infrastructure necessary to grow quality talent to meet today’s workforce needs.
From early learning opportunities to post-secondary degree programs and training certifications, Muskegon County has education options to meet every career goal and life stage.
To meet the rising demand for science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) careers, our top-notch education institutions have partnered with our business community to integrate real-world programs into their curriculum. Muskegon Community College opened the Carolyn I. and Peter Sturrus Technology Center, which contains several applied technology programs: CAD; electronics and automation; engineering; machining; metal casting; materials; and welding.
The center also houses MCC’s Experiential Learning program, the Rooks Sarnicola Entrepreneur Institute, Lakeshore Fab Lab and Richard and Ann Kraft Rapid Prototype Center. This state-of-the-art advanced technology center helps address employer needs so that Muskegon County can have a talented workforce for years to come.
In addition, the Muskegon County community has chosen to invest in its young people by establishing a Promise Zone Authority in 2015 and creating the Muskegon Area Promise (The Promise). The Promise is a unique scholarship promised to resident graduates of high schools within Muskegon County who graduate with at least a cumulative 3.5 GPA. The Promise provides the financial assistance necessary to obtain a two-year degree or its equivalent at Muskegon Community College (MCC) or Baker College of Muskegon.
KickStart to Career is the perfect extension and compliment to our traditional scholarship program. It’s also a perfect partner with the Muskegon Area Promise, and Muskegon Area Career Tech Center. We’re all working together to build bright futures for our community’s kids.
With at least one in five Michigan jobs directly or indirectly connected to water-enabled or water-related industries and the abundance of fresh water in Muskegon County, understanding and effectively managing our water resources is vital to our ongoing economic development as well as quality of life. Enter Grand Valley State University’s Robert B. Annis Water Resources Institute (AWRI), a leading national water-related research organization. The institute offers research, education and outreach to enhance and preserve freshwater resources that promote a sustainable blue water economy.