ESCANABA - Bay de Noc Community College recently received a grant for $1.87 million. The federal Title III grant is awarded to universities and community colleges and is designed to increase student success in math and science courses. Bay College President Dr. Laura Coleman said the money will be spread out over the next five years beginning Oct. 1 with a check for $393,000.
"We're very excited about this because we will be able to focus on math and science," said Coleman. noting over 75 percent of Bay College students take a math or science course. "When people don't pass their math/science classes they are less likely to return the next semester, reducing our retention rates. "
Coleman said the first step in appropriating the grant money will be to build the math/science learning center.
"We're also going to hire the supplemental instruction coordinator. They will work with faculty to develop the supplemental instruction program.," said Coleman. "Then we will hire the people to deliver the supplemental instruction. (Those are the) things we will be working on in the first year."
Coleman explained the grant is not awarded regularly and is highly competitive, adding that there are colleges who apply for years and never receive funding.
Coleman applauded Carolyn Bissell, executive director for institutional advancement, for her efforts in bringing the grant to fruition.
"Carolyn served as the repository of all information and funneled information between the team and Dick Witter, our grant writer," said Coleman. "Everyone involved contributed and worked hard to make this happen."
Coleman said the grant strategy would include the implementation of supplemental instruction, math/science learning communities, a math/science learning center, remodeled science laboratories, a new biotechnology program, a new orientation program for math/science students, professional development for faculty, enhanced advising and a Web site devoted to math and science topics.
"The Title III grant, coupled with the Achieving the Dream grant, allows us to develop and implement strategies that will ensure student success," said Coleman. "It's going to be an exciting next five years."
Bay College Board Trustee Tom Butch said receiving the grant was proof that sometimes you've got to put your money where your mouth is - the college had to commit $20,000 to a grant writer to even apply for the Title III grant.
"Something like this points out the benefit of (taking that risk by) spending $20,000," said Butch. "Sometimes you can be pennywise and pound foolish."
