The new satellite campus of Delta College is in the final stages of construction and students can now begin enrolling for fall classes in seven different programs.
Delta College is nearly ready to open its new Midland campus for an open house in August, followed by in-person classes shortly afterward. The project to build the new campus began in 2018 with a grant from various local donors and broke ground in 2019. Degree programs will be offered in seven areas of study, focusing on STEM careers to fit the job demands of local employers. The college promises state-of-the-art labs and learning spaces in the building, located near Main Street in downtown Midland.
Funding for the project was provided in part by the Dow Chemical Company Foundation, the Dow Corning Foundation, and the Herbert H. & Grace A. Dow Foundation. In an update published by Delta College in 2018, President Dr. Jean Goodnow expressed gratitude for the grants, "We are extremely grateful to The Dow Chemical Company Foundation, the Dow Corning Foundation and the Herbert H. & Grace A. Dow Foundation for their tremendous support of Delta College. The $7.425 million dollar contribution is one of the largest combined gifts Delta has ever received from the private sector. It will truly make a difference to the economic growth of our area, and in the lives of local citizens."
Another update published by Delta College in 2019 announcing the groundbreaking ceremony at the building site provided details about the design of the campus. The building features computer labs, special use training rooms, and science labs, as well as student services and administration offices. Dr. Goodnow commented on the importance of regional campuses for local communities, "Delta College has always been committed to providing local citizens with a college education that's affordable, the highest quality and easy to access. I believe this Downtown Midland Center will continue to fulfill that commitment to our communities."
In February of 2020, Delta College held a ceremony to commemorate the final support beam being raised. Staff, faculty, board members, and community partners joined to sign the final beam before it was hoisted into place. Tina Van Dam, member of both the Harry A. and Margaret D. Towsley Foundation and Delta College boards, was on hand and said of the new campus, "It's a win for Delta and a win for Midland. It's going to have a huge impact on our community."
In the most recent news release, Delta College announced that the building is going through the final stages of interior finishing and that it would be open to the community for an open house in August, with classes scheduled to begin August 28. Kristy Nelson, director of Downtown Centers for Delta College, is excited to share the new campus with the community. "We can’t wait for our community to see this beautiful new building. Some of my favorite spaces are the new chemistry and biology labs. Students can complete a full associate degree or Michigan Transfer Agreement – all in this brand-new building," said Nelson.