As an extension to MCC's participation in "Match Day" spearheaded by the Community Foundation for Muskegon County last May, the Krafts will match gifts to the Foundation for MCC $1 for $1, up to a maximum total of $15,000, proving that great ideas are meant to live on and on.
Flint, Michigan residents, the Krafts are no strangers to supporting Muskegon Community College. Richard Kraft, a 1949 MCC grad and successful architect, already funded construction of the Richard and Ann Kraft Student Life and Alumni Center. The Center opened in the fall of 2008, concurrent with the opening of the College's new Student Services Center. All of the newly constructed areas at MCC are now being enthusiastically utilized by current and prospective students.
Dick continues to demonstrate his appreciation for the education he received at MCC through his Match Day Continues initiative. Donations and the match will change lives by going beyond the college budget to support MCC's greatest needs right now. According to Foundation for MCC Director Diane Szewczyk-Smith, "Our greatest priority is always quality higher education programs, and now it is also important to give a boost to scholarship funds that have fallen below the minimum level required to award them due to the economy. As well another priority includes assisting with special projects, specifically new digital equipment and software for the Carr-Fles Planetarium."
MCC's enrollment has surged for summer and fall, at a time when traditional funding is tight and financial need for students the greatest. Despite difficult economic conditions, the College remains committed to providing students with the resources necessary to attain their educational goals.
Szewczyk-Smith, who was appointed in January 2009 as the first director for the Foundation for Muskegon Community College in its 29-year history, is appreciative of folks like the Krafts. "We are grateful for the opportunity to participate in Match Day and celebrate the generosity of every donor. Richard and Ann's generosity and challenge allows MCC friends who were unable to participate in the original Match Day to support MCC in areas we need right now," she remarked. The Kraft Match Day Continues Challenge and the special needs which will be supported provide crucial support for MCC. Szewczyk-Smith notes that this program effectively doubles personal gifts by matching dollar for dollar.
All GED and High School Completion classes listed here are held at OVCE's Workforce Development and Training Center (formerly Jolman Elementary) at 2389 E. Laketon Avenue on the corner of Laketon and Sheridan.
Free GED Prep Classes are for students who have not yet graduated, and are 18 or older and for those whose class has already graduated. Participants can choose from classes held Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; Monday through Thursday 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.; and Monday through Thursday 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., or in any combination that best works for their schedule.
Walk-in registration for the GED Prep Classes begins Tuesday, September 8.
Free High School Completion Classes are for students who have not yet graduated, are 18 or older and for those whose class has already graduated. Participants can choose from classes held Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; and Monday through Thursday, 5:00 to 8:30 p.m., or in any combination that best works for their schedule.
Walk in registration for the free High School Completion Classes begins September 8.
Free English as a Second Language Instruction is for adults who need to learn to speak and write English will be offered at Orchard View Community Education Center (Formerly Orchard View Elementary) at 1074 Shonat, one block south of Apple Avenue between the two Wescos. Participants can choose from classes held Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 12:30; and Monday through Thursday, 3:00 to 6:30 p.m.
Walk in registration for the free English as a Second Language Instruction classes begins Monday, September 8.
It's always a good time to return to learning! We invite the community to look into our diverse services and programs for adults. Orchard View Community Education is here to serve you, all citizens of our community, from preschoolers to senior citizens, through numerous programs.
The school of 240 students in grades nine through 12 is operating in its eighth year at the remodeled facility on Ellis Road, across from the Muskegon Airport, and will enjoy its first year in the newly built gymnasium.
Family experts who recommend the three-legged approach say raising children becomes wobbly when one of the components is missing or not in good shape.
I recently talked to a highly respected West Michigan pastor who said that Christian education is more important today than ever before.
Our homes are being invaded by a culture we should all be ashamed of. Having a prayer at meal time and attending church for an hour a week isn't enough to combat the daily bombardment of porn, drugs and sex our children are getting, he said.
He copied the lyrics of a song that is just one of many invading our homes. "I was going to read it to you tonight, but I left it on my desk because I didn't want to pollute this sanctuary," he recently told a church gathering.
Christian education costs money, but to many families it isn't an expense, it's an investment in their children's well being and the betterment of society as a whole. "People who invest on Wall Street are happy to receive a five percent or so return. The best investment any of us can make is Christian education. The returns are out of sight," the wise pastor said.
Our motto is "reaching out and changing lives" and we accomplish that by offering a variety of high quality, year round programs for students of all ages.
As a full service program, Muskegon Community Education offers:
- Early Childhood Programs - HEAD START and Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP)
- Muskegon Alternative HS - A Credit Recovery focus with full access to Muskegon Area Career Tech Classes
- GED preparation classes and GED testing services
- Adult High School Completion Classes
- English as a Second Language Classes
- After School programs in both our elementary and secondary buildings.
- KidsWorld Childcare for children six months of age and older
- Senior Citizen Lunch Program Site
In addition we are home to both the Institute for Healing Racism and the student run MTEC 106 FM "Rock n Soul" Radio Station. This is the only FCC licensed high school radio station in Western Michigan. It provides students a wonderful opportunity for hands on learning experiences in all aspects of broadcasting.
"You are the one that can stretch your own horizon" and Muskegon Community Education staff is here to help you. To become part of the Muskegon Community Education Family, for further information and/or to talk to a staff member about your educational needs contact us at (231) 720-2530.