COMINS – A college education is now available in Oscoda County.
The Economic Development Alliance of Oscoda County (EDAOC) is launching the Skyline Regional Education Center. The new program will offer community, professional and academic training, as well as technical services such as Internet support and teleconferencing technology.
The program is funded in part by a $57,000 grant from the USDA Rural Development Program, $5,000 from Northeast Michigan Council of Governments (NEMCOG), and funds from Kirtland Community College, the Woodworkers Shoppe, Fick and Sons, and other sponsors and supporters.
Skyline hosted a community event Aug. 19 to introduce the Skyline Regional Education Center. Key collaborators for the program attended, and musical entertainment was provided by Rhett Yocum and the 202 Band.
‘This is the only grant of its type in Michigan this year,’ said Tim Jenks, board chair of the EDAOC, noting that portions of the program are still evolving. ‘A lot of it will depend on what kinds of technical support and services people need.’
Jenks said the program will help are students to achieve their goals without traveling an hour to KCC’ Roscommon campus.
‘Now students, including those already in the work force, will have opportunities to get the education they need to advance in their careers, or to get training for something different GǪ If we can show someone how to sell quilts for $200 a month that’ huge GǪ That may not be much to someone in Detroit or Grand Rapids, but it’ the difference between surviving and thriving in a rural community.’
A portion of the funding for the project was also provided by NEMCOG through the Regional Prosperity Initiative mini-grant program. This funding allowed the REC to purchase videoconferencing equipment that students will use to attend classes at Kirtland Community College’ Gaylord or Grayling sites or courses available through University Centers in MI.
‘We’re really focusing on workforce development and talent development,’ said NEMCOG Economic/Community Development Planner Dave Glenn. ‘The programs offered at the REC will allow students to attend courses without the financial and time commitment required for commuting to in person classrooms in Alpena or Roscommon.’
Starting with the fall 2016 semester the REC will begin a formal schedule of business related college courses offered through a partnership with Kirtland Community College.
‘Rural residents are great at noticing the assets around them and building businesses based on the needs of their neighbors,’ said James J. Turner, USDA Rural Development State Director for Michigan. ‘The formalization of the Skyline Regional Education Center will help entrepreneurially minded residents improve upon their existing skills to grow and create sustainable businesses in the region.
Kirtland Community College’ district includes all or part of 9 counties and covers an area larger than the state of Rhode Island’2,500 square miles in total. Most of the district includes rural communities with sparse populations totaling approximately 65,000 people.
‘We have to do things differently up here,’ said Kirtland Community College President Dr. Thomas Quinn. ‘Kirtland’ mission is to provide innovative educational opportunities to enhance student lives and build stronger communities. We’re very happy to participate in this.’
Founded in October 2014, Skyline has primarily been used as a center for community gatherings, art displays and performances by local and regional musicians. More recently the facility has become a learning center for local residents and business owners.
Skyline currently provides 24/7 access to free wireless internet services for individuals and small businesses. It has increased facility operating hours and offered space for otherwise home based businesses to have a public presence and office hours.
Skyline Event Center is located at 3309 N. Abbe Rd. in Comins. For more information about the Skyline Regional Education Center, call 888-352-4762.
Turner noted that rural communities are special places where people combine their efforts to create a better environment.
‘Rural communities are places where people look out for each other and work together,’ Turner said. ‘We’re happy to celebrate the partnerships that make this project possible: partnerships with the County, the college and the people of this community.’
