STEP UP TRAINING & EDUCATION

Kellogg Community College’s STEP UP initiative offers free training opportunities to help people move forward in their careers or education, including:

• Short-term credential job training for the unemployed
• Long-term training and instruction to help the underemployed skill up to a better job and wages

STEP UP stands for:

• Skills Development: Building technical, digital and trades skills that align with current and future workforce needs.
• Training & Technology: Providing hands-on training and integrating modern technology to prepare learners for evolving industries.
• Education & Employment Readiness: Strengthening academic foundations and soft skills to ensure individuals are prepared for both higher education and career pathways.
• Pathways to Careers: Creating clear, guided pathways that connect education, short-term training and credentialing to sustainable employment.
• Upskilling & Understanding: Supporting lifelong learning, reskilling opportunities and cultural competency to adapt to workforce changes.
• Personal & Professional Growth: Fostering financial empowerment, leadership and personal development to sustain long-term success.

STEP UP training opportunities include:

• Certified nursing assistant (CNA) training
• Computer diagnostic/repair training
• Computer networking training
• Corrections training
• Entrepreneurship training
• Forklift operation and workplace safety training
• Hospitality training
• Introductory trades/maintenance technician training
• Kellogg Advanced Manufacturing Assembly (KAMA) training
• Medical assistant training
• Phlebotomy training

STEP UP programming provides students with relevant training in alignment with current industry standards. Curriculums consist of both continuing education units (CEUs) and credit-based courses that lead to increased employability through industry-recognized skill sets and certifications. 

Depending on the training program students may have the opportunity to participate in one of two delivery models:

• Full-time Short-Term Credential: This model consists of eight to 10 weeks of immersive training and will typically meet four days a week for eight hours per day. This model is ideal for students who are not employed and who are seeking immediate workplace credentials and employment opportunities.
• Part-Time Long-Term Credential: This model consists of two semesters of training up to 10 hours per week. This model is ideal for students who are seeking to skill up to obtain a higher life-sustaining wage.

Students in both delivery models will receive full wraparound services to address barriers to academic and professional success, including ready access to dedicated career coaches, financial literacy advisors, employment assistance and post-program support.

In addition to job training and education services, STEP UP programming will also include skills-based workshops in select communities focused on educating and empowering participants in the following areas:

• Digital Skills
• Employability Training
• English Language Learning
• Financial Empowerment
• Life Skills Development
• Pathways to Home Ownership
• Self-Sustainability/Long-Term Planning

Please check back for more details about community STEP UP workshops.

The success of STEP UP programming is bolstered by the strength of our community partners, which include:

• The Burma Center
• Goodwill Industries of Central Michigan’s Heartland
• Kingdom Builders Worldwide
• Michigan Works! Southwest
• New Level Sports Ministries
• The SHARE Center
• Second Missionary Baptist Church
• The Village Network of Battle Creek 
• Voces
• Washington Heights United Methodist Church
• Woman’s Co-op

Obtaining employment at a livable wage is essential to student success. STEP UP employment partners include:

• Bronson Battle Creek Hospital
• Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office
• DENSO Manufacturing
• DoubleTree by Hilton Battle Creek
• FireKeepers Casino Hotel
• Michigan Department of Corrections
• Oaklawn Medical Group