Bay College and Grand Rapids Community College team members accept the 2025 National Council for Workforce Education Exemplary Workforce Credit Award during the annual conference in Norfolk, Virginia. (Submitted photo)

ESCANABA/IRON MOUNTAIN – Bay College, in partnership with Grand Rapids Community College and the City of Grand Rapids, is proud to announce its collaborative Water to Work Internship program has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 National Council for Workforce Education Exemplary Workforce Credit Award during the annual conference in Norfolk, Virginia.

The award recognizes the innovative, scalable and high-impact nature of the Water to Work program, which integrates academic coursework, paid internships and industry-aligned training. Students enrolled in the program complete online water courses through Bay College toward a Water Technology Certificate while simultaneously engaging in real-world paid internships with municipal water departments coordinated through GRCC and local public utilities. This “learn-while-working” model positions graduates to enter the water and wastewater sector with both classroom and hands-on experience.

Through NCWE’s criteria, awardees are evaluated on executive vision, partnerships, economic impact, measurable results, advancement of equity, and replication potential — standards met by the Bay College and GRCC collaborative effort.

“Bay College is committed to aligning education and training with workforce needs,” said Cindy Gallagher, VP of Workforce Innovation & Strategic Partnerships, Bay College. “Being recognized with this NCWE Exemplary Award validates our commitment to strategic partnerships, collaboration, innovation, and real-world impact. We look forward to expanding this model to benefit even more communities.”

“Water to Work is changing lives while also meeting a critical community need,” said John VanElst, dean of the School of Workforce Training at GRCC. “We’re proud of this recognition, but even more proud of the students, employers and partners who are working together to create a sustainable, diverse workforce for the future.”