ESCANABA – Bay College is one of 18 community colleges in the state to receive a grant from the Community College Skilled Trades Equipment Program for state-of-the-art equipment and training. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation grants were announced Tuesday by Gov. Rick Snyder.

“We are positioning Michigan to become the national leader in developing talent,” Snyder said. “This serious investment — one of the largest of its kind in the country – will tap our top-notch community colleges and help new students and adults looking for new opportunities gain the skills sought by companies looking to grow and expand, creating more and better jobs in Michigan.”

Bay College was awarded $748,893. Matching funds of $251,304 provides a total more than $1 million in support of Bay’s welding and water resource management programs and the new EMT/paramedic and mechatronics programs.

Grants for the 18 community colleges totaled $50 million.

“This grant program requires unprecedented collaboration among private-sector employers and local educators with focused support from state government. Together, we will be laying a foundation that benefits our businesses and better matches our residents with good-paying, in-demand jobs,” said MEDC CEO Steve Arwood.

The grant program was created to provide funding that enables Michigan community colleges to purchase equipment required for educational programs in high-wage, high-skill, and high-demand occupations.

The program also requires collaboration with school districts and a detailed plan on how the funding will help meet employers’ job needs.