Kalamazoo Valley Community College, partners receive $1.1 million MiLeap grant for customized career training for local residents

A statewide grant is allowing a partnership of regional community colleges and workforce development organizations to offer free education, job training and related support services to area residents suffering from the economic impact of COVID-19.

A Southwest Partnership consortium including Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Kellogg Community College, Michigan Works! Southwest, The Northside Association for Community Development (NACD), Urban Alliance, and The Kalamazoo Promise received a total of $1,163,662 via a competitive Michigan Learning and Education Advancement Program (MiLEAP) grant.

The purpose of the grant is to support individuals who were essential workers, are dislocated, underemployed, living in distressed rural and urban communities or who are economically disadvantaged. The funds assist individuals in transitioning from education and training programs to high-skill, high-wage careers, with training programs resulting in industry-recognized credential attainment and reduced educational debt.

"We are totally committed to removing barriers to education for our constituents and we're so happy to be a part of this innovative programming," said Kalamazoo Valley Community College President L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D.

At Kalamazoo Valley Community College, MiLeap funds are being used to offer neighborhood-based computer numerical control (CNC) training, certified nursing assistant (CNA) training and medical coding and billing. Trainees can receive assistance with removing barriers to gaining and obtaining employment, career coaching and the opportunity to earn professional skills through competency based training. CNC and medical coding and billing classes are held at the NACD, 612 N. Park Street, Kalamazoo. The location is on a bus line and three blocks from the Metro station.

For more information about upcoming MiLeap training opportunities available through Kalamazoo Valley, contact VP Strategic Business and Community Development Craig Jbara at or 269.353.1263