By EMS1 Staff
BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — Kellogg Community College was awarded a $350,000 grant to help revitalize Michigan’s EMS workforce last month.
The grant from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services will cover the full cost of KCC Paramedic Certificate Program training for up to 18 students enrolling in the 2023-24 Paramedic Academy.
The scholarships will save new students up to $15,000 each in academic program costs. In addition to covering the cost of tuition and fees, textbooks, class supplies and other materials for students, the grant also will provide up to $1,300 to pay for things such as transportation, childcare, uniforms and other assistive supports.
“We’re thrilled to be able to offer this grant opportunity to students interested in advancing their EMS careers,” Clark Imus, EMS Education Program coordinator at KCC, said in a news release. “The EMSW-2023 grant will provide a significant cost savings to our Paramedic Certificate students, allowing them to focus on their training and their further careers in the field of emergency medical services.”
The program scholarships are first come, first served for eligible applicants. Only licensed EMTs may apply. Applications are available at kellogg.edu/ems and will be accepted until June 30 or until the program is full.
The grant also provides funds for EMS training facility upgrades.
A program expansion that will allow KCC to offer the full Paramedic Program on the College’s Grahl Center campus in Coldwater.
“This grant is a game changer for our paramedic program and for EMS education in Michigan,” Tonya Forbes, vice president for Instruction at KCC, said. “By expanding our program offerings and providing additional support services for students, we can help address the critical shortage of paramedics statewide and provide students with the training they need to succeed in this high-demand field.”