Nearly $6 million in legislative funding will advance skilled trades, dental hygiene education in Northern Michigan
North Central Michigan College’s commitment to expanding transformative career and technical education is set to take another significant step forward with nearly $6 million from the state of Michigan included in the recently passed FY 2027 budget.
Included in the state budget passed by both the Michigan House and Senate is $3.465 million in capital outlay planning approval for the proposed Skilled Trades Education Pathways (STEP) Center, and a $2.5 million legislatively directed spending initiative for the purchase and renovation of NCMC’s planned dental hygiene clinic. The approved budget now awaits Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s signature.
The two investments build on North Central’s ongoing strategy to align academic programming, facilities and employer partnerships with the region’s most pressing workforce needs. Together, the projects will expand educational opportunities in high-demand skilled trades and healthcare careers while strengthening the talent pipeline for Northern Michigan employers.
“This continued investment by legislators reflects the state’s confidence in our ability to prepare the skilled workforce that Northern Michigan needs,” said NCMC President David Roland Finley. “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 important role North Central plays in developing Northern Michigan's workforce.
“I was very pleased to be able to include a $3.465 million capital outlay appropriation in the FY 2026-27 state budget to support the expansion of North Central Michigan College's Skilled Trades Education Pathways (STEP) Center and expand opportunities for workforce training, innovation and student success,” Fairbairn said. “I was equally pleased to sponsor the $2.5 million legislatively directed spending appropriation for the college’s new dental hygiene program, which will help address workforce shortages in Northern Michigan while enhancing the local economy through increased enrollment and activity at North Central.”
State Sen. John Damoose said the projects will help ensure Northern Michigan remains a place where students can build careers and employers can find the talent they need.
“As NCMC prepares the next generation of our skilled workforce, I am proud to support a project that delivers lasting benefits for Northern Michigan families, businesses and communities,” Damoose said.
The proposed STEP Center will add approximately 10,000 square feet to the new Martin Jahn Technology Center, which is slated for completion in August 2026 as part of the college’s $22 million Career and Technical Education Enhancement (CATEE) initiative. The addition will expand capacity for hands-on, high-wage career preparation in construction trades including carpentry, plumbing, welding, and HVAC, as well as training in manufacturing and engineering technology. Opportunities for partnerships with regional employers are also central to the proposed expansion.
Receiving planning approval means the STEP Center advances to the next phase of the state's capital outlay process. North Central will now prepare detailed construction plans for state review while completing the required local funding match, positioning the project for future construction funding.
The $2.5 million legislatively directed spending initiative will support the purchase and renovation North Central’s new community dental hygiene clinic and instructional space, located along US 31 in southwestern Emmet County.
Approved by NCMC’s Board of Trustees in December 2025, the new Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene is designed to address the growing shortage of dental hygienists throughout Northern Michigan while expanding access to in-demand, high-wage careers.
The program has been approved by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and is awaiting approval by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) and the U.S. Department of Education for federal financial aid eligibility. College officials are targeting a program start date of Fall 2028. Once the program is launched, North Central will become the only provider of dental hygiene education north of Big Rapids.
Finley expressed appreciation for bipartisan recognition of the important role community colleges play in developing talent, supporting employers, and driving economic growth.
“Their belief in the community college mission is helping create new opportunities for students while ensuring our state has the skilled workforce needed for long-term economic growth,” Finley said. “Legislative support allows North Central to continue delivering exceptional educational opportunities, expanding access to career-focused education, and strengthening the workforce that drives our regional economy.”