Business and Law Enforcement Leaders Call to Strengthen Community Colleges

Michigan law enforcement and business leaders are increasingly unable to find the workers they need, as reported by MLive.com. So now, leaders are now looking to community colleges to help better prepare their future workforce. Members of Fight Crime: Invest in Kids and ReadyNation, alongside local education leaders, called for the increased support of community colleges as a vital way to address the skills gap that is facing both the public and private sectors.

At the event, members highlighted the release of a new report, Public Safety, Public Savings, and a Better Economy for All. Speakers included Dr. Laurie Chesley, Provost at GRCC, Fight Crime: Invest in Kids member Kent County Sheriff Larry Stelma, ReadyNation member Milton Scales, CEO of M. L. Scales & Associates, and John C. Austin, State Board of Education President.

In addition to better preparing students, community colleges generate revenue and savings for taxpayers. Community colleges help ensure that employers in the public and private sectors can get the qualified workforce they need, while also strengthening the economy today and in the future.