PETOSKEY — North Central Michigan College (NCMC) students will now have a direct path to a bachelor’s degree through Central Bound, a new partnership with Central Michigan University. The program allows students to be admitted to both institutions simultaneously to simplify the transfer process and reduce the time required to graduate.
Supported by a $650,000 Accelerate Grant, NCMC administrators said the initiative provides students with dual admission and coordinated academic advising from both schools. The partnership supports Michigan’s “Sixty by 30” goal, which aims to have 60% of working-age adults in the state hold a postsecondary degree or certificate by 2030.
NCMC administrators said the program is specifically tailored for students in Northern Michigan who want to start their education near home while maintaining long-term academic options.
North Central is one of several community colleges in Michigan participating in the expansion of the Central Bound program.
The $650,000 Accelerate Grant was awarded to CMU by the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement and Potential. This funding is part of the state’s Student Success Grants program, which focuses on strengthening transfer pathways to increase the number of residents with college credentials.
Additional information about Central Bound opportunities for North Central students will be shared as the partnership is implemented. Interested students can find more details at online.cmich.edu/CentralBound.