MCCA Recognizes 2026 Award Winners at Summer Conference

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Christian Talley

MCCA Recognizes ACCT President Jee Hang Lee, Campus Leaders, and Alumna at 2026 Awards Ceremony

Mackinac Island, Mich. - As leaders from Michigan's 31 community and tribal colleges gathered on Mackinac Island for the 2026 MCCA Summer Conference, marking the Association's 60th anniversary, the Michigan Community College Association (MCCA) recognized five exceptional individuals whose leadership and service reflect the values at the heart of Michigan's community colleges.

MCCA Supports Whitmer's Veto of HB 6058, Warns of Unfunded Implementation Costs

In response to Governor Whitmer's veto of House Bill 6058, MCCA President Brandy Johnson issued the following statement:

"We appreciate Governor Whitmer's decision to veto House Bill 6058. MCCA has consistently maintained that, while the bill's underlying policy goals have merit, it would have imposed significant new costs on Michigan's community colleges without providing the resources necessary for implementation.

Michigan Community College Association Responds to FY 2027 Budget: Student Investments Welcome, Operational Funding Still Lags

LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan Community College Association (MCCA) today acknowledged the completion of the Fiscal Year 2027 state budget welcoming several important investments in students while raising serious concerns about the lack of meaningful operational investment in Michigan's community colleges.

"Completing the state budget provides certainty, but it does not address the growing gap between what community colleges are being asked to deliver and the resources provided to do it," said Brandy Johnson, president of the Michigan Community College Association.

Johnson: Community colleges build our future workforce

Michigan’s future depends on a workforce that’s skilled, adaptable, and ready for what’s next. Across the state, community colleges are building that workforce — turning opportunity into jobs, higher wages, and long-term stability for Michiganders at every stage of life.

As state leaders begin shaping priorities for the year ahead, one truth should be front and center: Michigan's talent strategy depends on strong, accessible community colleges.

State initiative connects skilled trades apprenticeships to college credits

Apprentices across Michigan could soon fast-track their way to college degrees, thanks to a state-led effort to expand programs that award academic credit for registered trade training.

The College Credit for Apprenticeship initiative, created in conjunction with the Michigan Workforce Development Board, is aimed at putting more people on a path to an associate degree or certificate.

Financial aid, college funding hikes: How Michigan’s budget deal impacts higher education

The final budget passed by state lawmakers early Friday includes a short range of support for financial aid that college advocates say should help make higher education more accessible to Michigan students. But the budget’s higher education plan, which also marginally increases operational funds for all 15 of Michigan’s public universities and more than two dozen community colleges, may also fall short of some priorities that industry leaders stumped for as state budget talks rolled on this fall.