Kellogg Community College set to expand Innovative Accelerated Credentialed Training initiative with help from a $3 million grant

A $3 million grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation will help Kellogg Community College expand its Innovative Accelerated Credentialed Training (iACT) initiative, which provides short-term training programs aimed at preparing participants for jobs in healthcare, manufacturing, and retail where they can earn at least $15 per hour. The programs will be free to Battle Creek residents who meet income eligibility requirements. In addition to training, participants will receive a free laptop, access to internet hotspots, and be able to earn cash incentives. In addition to the expansion of the existing initiative, KCC will establish iACT Next Step, which will provide scholarships to iACT participants who want to continue their education with an associate degree.

The announcement of the grant, the expansion of iACT, and the creation of iACT Next Step was published by KCC in March and in it administrators explain that the outcomes will help support a statewide goal in Michigan of increasing the amount of adults with postsecondary degrees while boosting the local economy. Dr. Dennis Baskin, Dean of Workforce Development at KCC, said, "KCC's iACT and iACT Next Step initiatives are not only helping with the state's goal of increasing the percentage of Michigan residents who have a college degree, but they also empower participants to achieve stronger economic security that will benefit them and their families for years to come." Dr. Baskin also added, "Based on our experiences with iACT in the past, we know that participating in this initiative is life-changing."

The iACT initiative began in 2017 and provided a fast route to an improved career path for participants. With the creation of iACT Next Steps, participants can add on those credentials to earn an associate degree, paving the way for increased earning potential. Working with partners such as Goodwill Industries, Michigan Works!, and the Woman's Co-op of Battle Creek, KCC is able to focus on communities that need the economic boost of higher paying jobs. KCC President Adrien L. Bennings explained, "With the expansion of our iACT offerings, we will work with our workforce partners to help our community achieve higher post-secondary attainment, which means our Bruins will be in a position to get a new job or a promotion while commanding higher wages and better benefits."

Free laptops and hotspot wifi access will enable participants to complete programs by eliminating one of the cost barriers frequently faced by potential students. Along with the technology assistance, participants also have access to job placement assistance and financial literacy resources. Financial incentives of up to $1,500 over two years are also available, accumulating as students earn course credits.