EAST LANSING — A number of community colleges in West Michigan will partner with Michigan State University and other institutions across the state to offer joint certificate programs for students interested in the agricultural industry.
Students attending Muskegon Community College, Montcalm Community College, Northwestern Michigan College and West Shore Community College will be able to choose from up to six agricultural programs in conjunction with MSU’s Institute of Agricultural Technology.
“In the Traverse City and Dowagiac areas, the grape and wine industry is bustling, so we are offering the viticulture certificate in those areas,” said Randy Showerman, director of the Institute of Agricultural Technology. “Our goal is to help students get employed in high-demand careers in Michigan’s agricultural sector, one of our state’s leading economic players.”
The two-year academic program includes certificates in agricultural operations, applied horse science, fruit and vegetable crop management, landscape management and viticulture, according to a statement.
Students can also work toward an associate degree at the community college.
Delta College and Glen Oaks Community College are also part of the program.
“Partnering with area community colleges gives us the opportunity to bring programs that will lead to employment in those communities,” Showerman said.
