The Detroit school was the only college in Michigan to receive the recognition
Wayne County Community College District (WCCCD) stands as a beacon of hope and opportunity for Black people who seek to further their career opportunities through education, unwavering in its commitment to uplifting African American students and preparing them for high-demand careers.
WCCCD’s commitment to its students, particularly African American students, was recently highlighted in Diverse: Issues in Higher Education magazine, which ranked the college as the 11th-highest institution in the nation for awarding associate degrees to African American graduates. This recognition is significant, especially when considering that WCCCD is the only college in Michigan to make this prestigious list. It’s a testament to the work the college has been doing for over a decade, led by its incomparable Chancellor, Dr. Curtis L. Ivery, as it consistently ranks among the top 25 community colleges in the nation for awarding associate degrees to African Americans.
The data – collected from 2023 statistics – solidifies the college’s position as a leader in higher education for Black students, with WCCCD continuing to serve as a critical institution in Detroit’s education landscape. With more than 21,827 associate degrees awarded in the last decade alone, WCCCD’s impact is undeniable. In addition to associate degrees, the college has awarded tens of thousands of certificates, equipping students with the credentials they need to advance in their careers and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
The college has built its reputation on creating educational pathways that provide students with the skills, credentials, and opportunities needed to thrive in high-demand industries. Over the years, WCCCD has proven that its commitment to its students goes beyond simply awarding degrees – it’s about preparing them for success in a competitive workforce, contributing to the local economy, and addressing disparities that persist in key sectors.
Chancellor Ivery, who has led the college through a period of transformation, emphasized the institution’s enduring mission: “Our mission has always been to create pathways to better lives through higher education,” he said. “We remain dedicated to that mission of providing educational opportunities for all in our region.” This focus on service to the community, particularly to underserved populations, speaks to the heart of what WCCCD has always been about.
Dr. Ivery’s leadership and dedication to providing access and opportunity in higher education were recognized in 2020 when he received the Diverse: Issues in Higher Education publication’s Champions Award. The honor was a well-deserved acknowledgment of his tireless work in ensuring that WCCCD’s students, especially those from marginalized communities, had the tools they needed to succeed.
Preparing the Workforce of Tomorrow
WCCCD’s focus on providing opportunities to students is not just about access to higher education, but more so about giving them access to careers in high-demand fields – and Black students are cashing in on those opportunities now more than ever. In Michigan, many industries are facing a shortage of skilled workers, and WCCCD is addressing that gap head-on. The college offers more than 133 programs, with a focus on career and technical education, which has been shown to lead to high-paying jobs in some of the state’s most critical industries. Among the popular programs offered are nursing, business administration, trucking, computer information sciences, cybersecurity, criminal justice, and more.
These fields – particularly in the realms of healthcare, technology, and skilled trades – are some of the fastest-growing and highest-paying areas in the job market. WCCCD’s students are well-equipped to enter these sectors, thanks to a curriculum designed to ensure they are competitive and ready to make an immediate impact in their chosen professions.
Nearly 59% of WCCCD graduates earn degrees in career and technical fields, which are essential to the future workforce. The college’s efforts are further evidenced by the fact that nearly 68% of its graduates are African American. This is particularly important in Detroit, where economic disparities have long hindered Black residents from accessing career advancement opportunities. WCCCD is working tirelessly to change that dynamic by focusing on creating and expanding pathways to well-paying, fulfilling careers.
Innovative Programs and Partnerships
WCCCD’s innovative approach to education goes beyond the traditional classroom experience. Through its collaborations with industry leaders and partners, the college continually updates its curriculum to meet the needs of employers, ensuring that students are gaining the skills that are in high demand. One of the college’s most notable initiatives is the creation of the award-winning Mechatronics Technology Center, established at WCCCD’s Eastern Campus in partnership with Stellantis and Tier 1 automotive suppliers.
This partnership highlights WCCCD’s commitment to preparing students for the advanced manufacturing sector, which is a cornerstone of Michigan’s economy. By offering cutting-edge programs, WCCCD is ensuring that Detroit’s residents have the skills needed to fill these high-demand, high-paying jobs in the automotive industry.
The college’s commitment to innovation also extends to the healthcare and culinary fields. WCCCD’s Northwest Campus has recently introduced an Anesthesiology Technology Training Program and a new culinary arts program at its Culinary Arts and Hospitality Center. These unique programs provide students with the specialized skills needed for careers in healthcare and hospitality, two sectors that are vital to the region’s economy.
With over half of WCCCD graduates entering technical fields, the college is addressing the growing demand for skilled workers by collaborating with local industry leaders to ensure its programs meet current and future workforce needs. The integration of real-world education opportunities through partnerships and industry collaboration allows WCCCD students to graduate with the practical experience needed to stand out in today’s competitive job market.
A Commitment to Continuing Education
WCCCD also recognizes that many students may want to continue their education beyond an associate degree. That’s why the college has partnered with top universities through its University Center, giving students access to seamless pathways for obtaining advanced degrees without leaving the region. These partnerships allow students to stay in Southeast Michigan and contribute to the local economy, while advancing their education and career opportunities.
Dr. Ivery explained the importance of this approach. “Nearly 40 percent of our students are first-generation students,” he said. “And nearly three-quarters work and have job and family obligations. We know that helping them find a pathway to greater career opportunity and success helps them, their families, and ultimately their communities.” For many WCCCD students, earning a degree is a transformative event that affects generations of families.
Fostering Economic Development and Growth
A key part of WCCCD’s success lies in the fact that more than 80 percent of its graduates stay in Southeast Michigan, defying the national “brain drain” trend that often sees young talent leaving for opportunities elsewhere. This retention of skilled workers helps bolster local communities and ensures that Detroit and the surrounding areas can continue to thrive in the 21st-century economy.
WCCCD’s students are key contributors to the region’s economic growth and development, which addresses a statewide agenda so important, that Michigan was the nation’s first state to appoint a Chief Growth Officer charged with increasing the state’s population. By empowering students – particularly Black students who attend WCCCD – to achieve their higher education and career goals, the college is playing an essential role in addressing racial disparities in Michigan’s workforce, helping to close the talent gap, and ensuring that the next generation of leaders is equipped with the tools they need to succeed.
As WCCCD continues to focus on educational excellence, inclusive programs, and workforce readiness, it remains a symbol of hope and opportunity in a time when DEI efforts are under attack. The college’s unyielding commitment to empowering students, also led by Chancellor Ivery, stands as a testament to the transformative power of higher education, even in the face of adversity.
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