Alpena Community College: Overview & Mission

Alpena Community College (ACC), established in 1952, is a public community college situated in Alpena, Michigan. It serves around 2,000 students across its main 700-acre campus and a secondary Oscoda campus located at the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base Wikipedia.

ACC maintains a clear mission to foster educational excellence and service to its community. With over 75 programs spanning degrees and certificates, ACC emphasizes hands-on learning, affordable tuition, and personalized support alpenacc.edunemiglsi.org.learn this here now

Academic Offerings & Program Types

ACC provides a variety of credentials tailored to both immediate workforce entry and academic transfer:

  • Certificates of Achievement (C) – typically one-to-two-year programs providing targeted occupational skills (e.g. Utility Technology Certificate, Welding Certificate) discover.alpenacc.edu.
  • Associate Degrees:
    • Associate in Arts (AA) and Associate in Science (AS) – designed for seamless transfer to four-year institutions.
    • Associate in Applied Science (AAS) – focused career training to prepare students for direct employment in sectors like Welding, Machine Tool Technology, Utility Technology, Concrete Technology, Nursing (LPN/RN), Network Administration & Cyber Security, Industrial Technology, and more discover.alpenacc.edu.
  • Bachelor’s Degree:
    • Bachelor of Science (BS) in Electrical Systems Technology, building on ACC’s existing Utility and Electrical programs for a 4-year pathway discover.alpenacc.eduWikipedia.
  • Cooperative Degree Programs – ACC partners with several colleges and universities (Delta College, Ferris State University, Lake Superior State University, Madonna University, etc.) to allow students to start at ACC and transfer for advanced degrees like Dental Hygiene, Radiography, Construction Management, Social Work, Criminal Justice, and more discover.alpenacc.edu.

Signature Career Training Programs

Here’s a closer look at several notable career-focused programs:

Utility Technology Program (Oscoda Campus)

  • Offers a vocational certificate, advanced certificate, or AAS degree.
  • Prepares students to become entry-level line installers and repairers, with experience in installing and repairing electrical distribution, telephone, and CATV systems.
  • Provides hands-on training with real equipment: utility poles, bucket trucks, trencher and digger trucks, teaching safety and operation skills.
  • Graduates earn OSHA-recognized climber certification, and the program supports preparation for the Michigan commercial driver’s license.
  • Physical fitness and good color vision are required; students also supply gear valued at about $1,800 discover.alpenacc.edu.

Machine Tool Technology

  • Offers three tiers: Basic Certificate, Advanced Certificate, and AAS Degree.
  • Basic Certificate covers manual machining fundamentals: lathes, milling, surface grinding, blueprint reading.
  • Advanced Certificate builds on that with CAD/CAM, CNC programming, wire EDM, CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor).
  • AAS integrates both certificates with general education, preparing students for roles like CNC programmer, machinist, toolmaker, QA technician, or continuing to manufacturing engineering degrees.
  • Students train with coordinate measuring machines (CMM), CNC mills, CAD/CAM systems, and more.
  • The program is NIMS-accredited, and students have excelled in SkillsUSA competitions discover.alpenacc.edu.

Concrete Technology (AAS Degree)

  • ACC’s Concrete Technology AAS is developed in partnership with the Michigan Concrete Association and leverages resources like the World Center for Concrete Technology.
  • It covers aggregates, cementitious materials, precast, ready-mix concrete, admixtures, masonry, and more.
  • Graduates qualify for a range of roles: inspection, quality control, production supervision, sales, R&D, and engineering support.
  • The program spans 71 credits: 26 general education, 42 core, 3 electives. Optional certification includes ACI/MCA Level 1 and MCA Advanced Level 2 for technical field testing Michigan Concrete.

Industrial Technology (Oscoda Campus)

  • Designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in manufacturing and industry, meeting local employer demands (e.g., Star Cutter Company, Phoenix Composite).
  • Students complete training in under a year at a state-of-the-art technology lab, funded through grants discover.alpenacc.edu.
  • Pathways lead to roles such as machinist, maintenance worker, millwright, industrial mechanic, or general repair technician — fields expected to grow faster than average, with median pay around $48,410 discover.alpenacc.edu.

Criminal Justice Programs

ACC’s Criminal Justice offerings include:

  • AA in Criminal Justice (for transfer),
  • AAS Pre-Service (police officer track) and Corrections, and
  • Certificate for Corrections Officer Academic Program, certified by the Michigan Correctional Officers Training Council.
  • All programs include hands-on training such as “ride-alongs”; credits can transfer to Kirtland Community College’s Police Academy discover.alpenacc.edu.
  • Salaries: median for police officers ~$66,020 (2021), corrections officers ~$47,920 discover.alpenacc.edu.

Workforce Training & Development

  • ACC’s Workforce Training & Development provides customized training for businesses and organizations, matching specific skills needs.
  • Training topics include First Aid & CPR, CAD, Welding, Safety, Project Management, Michigan Builders Licensing prep, leadership, and more.
  • ACC also co-sponsors MIOSHA Training Institute courses for occupational safety, offering compliance tools that may reduce penalties in inspections discover.alpenacc.edu.

Holistic Student Support & Career Pathways

Summary & Conclusion

Alpena Community College offers a robust mix of certificate, associate, and bachelor’s programs across career fields vital to Northeast Michigan’s economy. With strong industry partnerships, advanced facilities, and accreditation, ACC ensures students develop job-ready skills—from climbing utility poles to operating CNC machines or managing concrete operations. Meanwhile, support systems like TCS, career advising, and transfer agreements ensure flexibility and success for a diverse student population.

Whether you’re pursuing a hands-on skill trade, aiming for professional certification, or planning a transfer to a four-year degree, ACC’s career training framework provides a grounded and supportive launchpad.see this