Bay Mills CC named "Higher Access, Higher Earnings" college

What's happening: Bay Mills Community College has been recognized as one of the nation's top institutions for expanding access to higher education and supporting strong career outcomes, earning the prestigious Carnegie Opportunity Colleges and Universities classification for “Higher Access, Higher Earnings.” Awarded by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, BMCC finds ways to both serve underrepresented and low-income students and have graduates finding more successful wages than average. Based in Brimley and the Bay Mills Indian Community, BMCC also had its largest graduating class this spring, including its first class of graduates receiving bachelor’s degrees in business administration and computer information systems. 

Higher educational variety: While each of the U.P.’s colleges and universities have different strengths, BMCC is the only one to receive the “Higher Access, Higher Earnings” classification. A designation for roughly 470 colleges and universities across the country, BMCC joins schools like Central Michigan, UM-Dearborn and UM-Flint in Michigan with the classification. The opportunity for higher access and earnings adds to the possibility of finding the right collegiate experience for any Upper Peninsula resident looking for further education and certification to enter the workforce locally.  
  
What they're saying: “Bay Mills Community College is honored to be recognized as a Carnegie Opportunity College and University for our commitment to increasing student access and supporting strong post-graduation outcomes,” said Dr. Duane Bedell, President of Bay Mills Community College. “We are proud to stand alongside our fellow Tribal Colleges and Universities who received this prestigious classification. Congratulations to each of the institutions named for their tireless work in serving Native communities and advancing student success across Indian Country. Together, we continue to create opportunities and build brighter futures.”

What's next: BMCC will hold its graduation ceremony on May 16 at Adikameg Hall. The fall semester will begin on September 2.