EMMET COUNTY — North Central Michigan College will advance its skilled trades and dental hygiene programs with nearly $6 million from the state of Michigan included in the recently passed fiscal year 2027 budget.
The funding, which awaits the signature of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, includes $3.465 million in capital outlay planning approval for the proposed Skilled Trades Education Pathways (STEP) Center. It also features a $2.5 million legislatively directed spending initiative to purchase and renovate a planned dental hygiene clinic.
The investments are part of the college’s strategy to align academic programming, facilities and employer partnerships with regional workforce needs.
“This continued investment by legislators reflects the state’s confidence in our ability to prepare the skilled workforce that Northern Michigan needs,” David Roland Finley, the North Central Michigan College president, said. “We extend deep appreciation to our legislative leaders and offer our sincere gratitude to Rep. Parker Fairbairn and Sen. John Damoose for their partnership and support of workforce education in Northern Michigan.”
State Rep. Parker Fairbairn said the budget recognizes the role the college plays in developing the workforce. Fairbairn noted that he sponsored the $2.5 million appropriation for the dental hygiene program to help address regional workforce shortages and boost the local economy.
State Sen. John Damoose said the projects will help ensure Northern Michigan remains a place where students can build careers and employers can find necessary talent.
The proposed STEP Center will add approximately 10,000 square feet to the new Martin Jahn Technology Center, which is scheduled for completion in Aug. 2026 as part of a $22 million Career and Technical Education Enhancement initiative. The addition will expand training capacity for manufacturing, engineering technology and construction trades, including carpentry, plumbing, welding and HVAC.
Receiving planning approval moves the STEP Center to the next phase of the state capital outlay process. The college will now prepare construction plans for state review and complete the required local funding match.
The $2.5 million dental hygiene initiative will fund the purchase and renovation of an instructional space and community clinic located along US 31 in southwestern Emmet County. The North Central Michigan College Board of Trustees approved the Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene in Dec. 2025.
The Higher Learning Commission approved the program, which is currently awaiting approval from the Commission on Dental Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education. College officials plan to launch the program in the fall of 2028, making the college the only provider of dental hygiene education north of Big Rapids.
Finley said legislative support allows the college to continue delivering exceptional educational opportunities and strengthening the regional economy.
More information about the initiatives and programs is available at ncmich.edu.