Independent, nonprofit colleges and universities pour a lot of money into the local economy, according to the Michigan’s Independent Colleges and Universities (MICU).

In the last decade alone, they have contributed more than $1 billion in investments.

Those projects led to nearly 6,500 jobs, $600 million in income to local families and an additional $2 billion in economic contributions to Michigan’s economy, MICU says in its 2019 Public Capital Private Purpose report. The trend continues. There are already $200 million in investments planned for the next five years now in the works at MICU’s 26-member institutions. They are expected to bring least 1,000 additional jobs and generating nearly $120 million in income to the state.

In Flint Kettering University has played a key role its economic development.

Kettering has done several brownfield redevelopment efforts including the new $4.5 million GM Mobility Research Center, “Chevy in the Hole” is now a 3.1-acre test pad, new underground utilities and a retention pond have been added as well as four new traffic islands.

It also launched an Employee Home Purchase and Renovation Assistance Program to provide eligible employees with a $15,000 forgivable loan for purchasing and occupying a home in one of three designated neighborhoods near campus. In addition, a $5,000 forgivable loan will be available to eligible employees who already reside full-time within those neighborhoods to assist them in making exterior improvements to their property.

The university also was instrumental in creating the University Avenue Corridor Coalition (UACC), which made up of a group of Kettering students and faculty, citizens and local businesses. The organization’s mission is to transform the region into an attractive and crime-free community that is conducive to sustainable development.

In addition, Kettering restored Atwood Stadium and opened it up for community events, including youth and intramural sports, Relay for Life and ice skating.

“Our member institutions are all unique, but one thing they all share is the desire to provide students with the very best learning opportunities possible, and this report demonstrates that they are taking that responsibility very seriously,” says Jeff Abernathy, president of Alma College and chair of the MICU Board of Directors. “Independent colleges and universities throughout the state are working to incorporate more technology, update lab facilities, and expand learning opportunities all to create a highly educated skilled workforce, and those efforts have a tangible positive impact on Michigan’s economy.”

Baker College, which currently has a campus in Flint, has made numerous, diverse investments across Michigan. It established of a new health sciences building in Owosso, a culinary institute in Port Huron, and upgraded classrooms. Multiple new buildings and residence halls also have been developed in an effort to house the many students looking to meet 21st century employer expectations.

The college has spent $84.7 million on these upgrades and enhancements, resulting in $150.7 million in local economic contributions across eight communities statewide during the past decade. These projects also supported 460 jobs and $53.6 million in worker earnings

Baker College Flint recently announced it will combine its operations with Baker Owosso and consolidate its Southeast Michigan operations into a new, state-of-the art, flagship campus in Ferndale in 2020. That new campus is a $50 million investment.

“One thing to keep in mind is that these projects are all funded with private investment, so there is no cost to students, their families, or taxpayers,” says Abernathy.  “What’s more, the facilities built are often used not only by the institution and its students, but also by residents in the local community. These projects are true partnerships benefiting students and local community residents alike.”

The full report, complete with descriptions of projects completed and currently underway at Michigan’s 26 non-profit colleges and universities, is available by clicking here.

https://youtu.be/MPBkkbyouNA

  Alma College, Atwood Stadium, Baker College, Chevy In the Hole, GM Mobility Research Center, independent colleges impact on local economies in Michigan, independent universities impact on local economies, Jeff Abernathy, Kettering University, Michigan’s Independent Colleges and Universities

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