Kalamazoo Valley was the most popular college destination for class of 2023 graduates in every school district in Kalamazoo County, according to the MI School Data Report.
Joining with nearly 1,000 other community colleges across the country, Kalamazoo Valley is celebrating Community College Month in April.
This monthlong campaign is an opportunity to share with the community not only that Kalamazoo Valley Community College is the first choice of many college-bound students, but also that community colleges are first-class institutions that are vital to our local and state economies.
“Community colleges are respected collaborators, leaders and partners, creating innovative and equitable opportunities to prepare learners for existing and emerging careers,” said Kalamazoo Valley Community College President L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D.
They are a uniquely American educational model that was designed to guarantee access to affordable, high-quality education for all. They serve as an on-ramp to bachelor’s, master’s and higher-level degrees for many students, and particularly for the most demographically and socioeconomically diverse students.
In Michigan, more than 280,000 students attend community college each year and more than half of all bachelor’s degree holders in the state have completed a portion of their coursework at a community college. Michigan is home to 28 public community colleges and three tribal colleges with an average tuition rate of $4,966, compared to $16,280 for a public in-state university.
“The credentials earned by our students prepare them to fill in-demand careers in healthcare, skilled and professional trades, technology and new media or for transfer to four-year institutions,” Washington said. “Community College Month is our opportunity to remind people about the huge impact the college makes on the vitality of Southwest Michigan.”
ABOUT KALAMAZOO VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Established in 1966, Kalamazoo Valley Community College offers certificate programs in more than 50 areas of study and associate degrees in 60 others. These include business, healthcare, human and public service, and technical occupations, culinary arts and brewing training. The college has four Kalamazoo, Michigan locations, including the Texas Township Campus, the Groves Campus, the Arcadia Commons Campus and the Bronson Healthy Living Campus. Classes are available during the day, evening, online and weekends. Learn more at www.kvcc.edu.
