Bay Mills Community College (BMCC) stands as a beacon of education and cultural preservation on the southeastern shore of Lake Superior, nestled within the heart of the Bay Mills Indian Community (BMIC) in Michigan’s scenic Upper Peninsula. More than just an institution of higher learning, Bay Mills Community College represents a commitment to community empowerment, academic excellence, and the revitalization of Anishnaabek culture and language. Established in 1984 by the Bay Mills Indian Community, BMCC has evolved from humble beginnings into a vital resource for both Native American and non-Native students alike.
A Legacy of Growth and Adaptation:
The story of Bay Mills Community College began in 1981 as a vocational program, conceived in response to the pressing economic development needs of seven Native American communities in the region. Initially funded by the Department of Education, this program laid the foundation for what would soon become a fully-fledged community college. In 1984, the Bay Mills Indian Community formally chartered the college under the Tribally Controlled Community Colleges Act, marking a significant milestone in self-determination and educational sovereignty.
From a modest starting point with just eleven students, BMCC has experienced remarkable growth. Today, the college serves over seven hundred students annually through a diverse array of on-campus, off-campus, and online programs. Its distinction as Michigan’s first accredited Tribal College located on a reservation underscores its commitment to providing accessible and culturally relevant education.
Location and Accessibility:
The college’s main campus is situated in a rural setting, characterized by the natural beauty of Lake Superior and the surrounding woodlands. While this location offers a unique learning environment, it also presents challenges for some students. Due to the distances involved, many BMCC students face daily commutes of up to 100 miles round trip to attend classes.
Recognizing the need to extend its reach beyond the main campus, Bay Mills Community College has strategically expanded its operations through charter schools and online programs. The college has chartered 40 schools in mostly troubled, mostly urban communities throughout greater Michigan, bringing educational opportunities to underserved populations. Furthermore, BMCC offers online classes in 20 areas of study, as well as online associate’s degree programs in business administration and early childhood education, reaching students across North America.
Mission and Values:
At its core, the mission of Bay Mills Community College is to provide quality educational opportunities, promote research, and facilitate individual development in a community-based and culturally diverse environment. The college is deeply committed to supporting and maintaining the Anishnaabek culture and language, ensuring that these vital aspects of heritage are preserved for future generations.
As a tribally controlled community college and land-grant institution, BMCC operates under a set of guiding principles that reflect its unique identity and purpose. These principles include:
- Academic Excellence: Providing rigorous and relevant academic programs that prepare students for success in their chosen fields.
- Cultural Preservation: Integrating Anishnaabek culture and language into the curriculum and college life.
- Community Engagement: Serving as a resource and partner for the Bay Mills Indian Community and the surrounding region.
- Student Success: Providing comprehensive support services to help students achieve their educational goals.
- Accessibility: Ensuring that educational opportunities are accessible to all, regardless of background or location.
Academic Programs and Opportunities:
Bay Mills Community College offers a wide range of academic programs designed to meet the diverse needs and interests of its students. These programs include:
Associate Degree Programs:
- Accounting
- Addictions Counseling
- Applied Science
- Arts
- Business Administration
- Criminal Justice
- Early Childhood Education
- General Studies
- Human Services
- Law Enforcement
- Liberal Arts
- Native American Studies
- Office Administration
- Pre-Engineering
- Science
- Social Work
Non-Degree Programs/Certificates:
- Accounting
- Addictions Counseling
- Business
- Business Administration
- Certified Nursing Assistant
- Chemical Dependency
- Community Health Worker
- Computer Information Systems
- Construction Technology
- Corrections Officer
- Criminal Justice
- Early Childhood Education
- Emergency Medical Technician
- Entrepreneurship
- Food Service
- General Studies
- Human Services
- Law Enforcement
- Medical Assistant
- Native American Studies
- Office Administration
- PC Technician
- Social Work
- Tribal Law
Diploma:
- Practical Nursing
These programs provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to pursue further education, enter the workforce, or advance in their current careers. BMCC also offers a variety of support services, such as tutoring, advising, and career counseling, to help students succeed academically and professionally.
Transfer Agreements and Articulation:
Bay Mills Community College is committed to assisting students in their transition to four-year institutions. The college has established articulation agreements with numerous Michigan colleges and universities, designed to remove barriers and ensure the seamless transfer of credits. These agreements provide students with a clear pathway to continue their education and earn a bachelor’s degree. BMCC currently has 22 such agreements in place, facilitating the transfer process for students pursuing a wide range of academic disciplines.
A Diverse Student Body:
While Bay Mills Community College was originally chartered to address the limited educational opportunities for tribal members in the region, the college welcomes students of all races and backgrounds. American Indian students represent approximately 60% of the annual student enrollment, while non-Native students make up the remaining 40%. This diversity enriches the learning environment and promotes cross-cultural understanding.
Commitment to Early Childhood Education:
Bay Mills Community College has gained national recognition for its commitment to early childhood education. The website BestOnlineColleges.org recently ranked the college’s online early childhood education programs as among the best in the United States. BMCC’s Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education program offers concentrations in administration, teacher preparation, and family service. All three tracks focus on children up to age five and emphasize Native American culture and cultural sensitivity.
In a further effort to enhance the quality of early childhood education, BMCC recently began offering free online early childhood education classes. The goal of this initiative is to create more highly qualified early childhood educational professionals, particularly those serving Native American Head Start programs nationwide.
Technological Advancement and Innovation:
Bay Mills Community College is dedicated to providing its students with access to the latest technology and resources. The college has bolstered its institutional information technology infrastructure, providing laptops and SMART boards within every classroom. These instructional tools are available to all students, enhancing their learning experience and preparing them for success in a technology-driven world.
Preserving the Ojibwe Language:
Bay Mills Community College plays a crucial role in preserving the Ojibwe language, a vital aspect of Anishnaabek culture. The college’s language immersion program is highly popular among both speakers and future teachers. Recognizing the importance of language preservation, the Administration for Native America recently awarded BMCC a grant to hire language instructors to work with local children in Head Start and Early Head Start programs. These instructors also teach the Anishnaabe language to more than 300 youth enrolled in local Boys & Girls Clubs, ensuring that the language is passed on to future generations.
Leadership and Vision:
Under the leadership of President Michael Parish, Bay Mills Community College continues to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of its students and community. The college remains committed to its mission of providing quality educational opportunities, promoting research, and facilitating individual development in a culturally diverse environment. As it looks to the future, BMCC is poised to continue its legacy of growth, innovation, and service to the Bay Mills Indian Community and beyond.
Contact Information:
- Address: 12214 West Lakeshore Drive, Brimley, MI 49715
- Phone: (906) 248-3354
- Website: www.bmcc.edu
