05/22/2026
Support from a recent C3F Youth Needs grants made it possible for students and families across the county to participate in North Central Michigan College’s 2025 Summer Learning Academy. The Learning Academy offered 42 classes during a 9-week period. In total, 59 students from Charlevoix County attended the Summer Learning Academy this year, representing 15% of overall program enrollment, and eight students received scholarships. For many families, the immediate impact was tangible—reliable summer childcare paired with high-quality educational experiences—while for students, the long-term impact may unfold over years as confidence, curiosity, and college aspirations continue to grow.
One of the most meaningful outcomes came from a new course designed for middle school students focused on manufacturing, creativity, and problem-solving. Through project-based learning, students explored how education can look beyond traditional classrooms. One participating student has since reached out to instructors and shared plans to attend NCMC to pursue a career in manufacturing and technology. His family noted that the experience reshaped their understanding of education, helping them see that learning can be active, creative, and deeply relevant.
