Originally published Feb. 8, 2023
Marion Regional Career Center is becoming Grant Regional Career Center, a rebranding that recognizes its wider focus on the workforce development needs of the entire county and region.
“We’re excited to be working collaboratively with area employers and providing important early career certifications, internships, and more,” GRCC Director Nate McNeely said. “Our mission is to help students in our region develop relevant technical, academic, and job readiness skills. This rebranding reflects our work to continue to look toward the future and give all of our students the best opportunities possible.”
>> Click here to listen to a WBAT interview with Director McNeely
The name change also reflects our ongoing relationships with our sending schools from throughout the county and beyond.
“We will continue to work closely with schools who have students interested in programming available here at GRCC,” McNeely said. “We value our role in our communities’ economic development efforts, but the most important thing is that our students get the best opportunities we can provide!”
Career and technical education courses help students explore their interests and provide real stepping stones toward skilled trades and a wide variety of other career paths. At GRCC, students can earn many technical and job skills certifications. Students can also earn college credit while still in high school through our extensive list of dual-credit courses. Our future-focused programming helps students plan and prepare for their tomorrow!
Some of our unique offerings include:
- Aviation Academy, a partnership between GRCC, the Marion Municipal Airport, Air Marion, the City of Marion, the Jim McKinney Air & Space Foundation, and Indiana Wesleyan University. These partners see aviation as a growing area and one of the keys to attracting new businesses to Grant County. Students can participate in a two-year program in aviation management, housed at Marion Municipal Airport. The IDOE has recognized the GRCC Aviation Academy with a Partnership Award.
- Cybersecurity and Information Technology Academy, an official EC-Council Accredited Training Center. Through the GRCC IT Academy, students can also earn a wide variety of certifications from Microsoft, Adobe, and more. In addition, GRCC has arrangements with several local entities to provide IT internships to their advanced students, including Marion Public Library, Marion Community Schools, and Afena Credit Union. Some of these internships have translated to full-time employment for our graduates. The IDOE has honored this program with an Award for Excellence.
- Construction Trades Program, a partnership with ABC (Association of Builders and Contractors). Through our state and federally recognized apprenticeship program, advanced students have had the opportunity to help build houses from the ground up, in collaboration with Habitat for Humanity and other local organizations. These students have the opportunity to earn their OSHA 10, OSHA 30, and NCCER Carpentry certifications.
- In-house print shop run by our Graphics Program, giving students experience with the graphic design and printing process from start to finish.
- Nursing program, in which students can earn their Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification. Nursing students get the opportunity to work in local facilities we partner with, including assisted living/nursing homes. The CNA is a great stepping stone to a wide variety of medical and medical assistant careers.
GRCC has a standing relationship with several sending schools from around the region, and all CTE classes are open to students from those schools. In addition, GRCC will consider opening classes to additional sending schools based on student interest. Any student who is interested in exploring the options at GRCC can call us at 765-664-9091, or talk with their high school counselor.
“Whether you’re looking to enter the workforce right after high school, work toward certification in a skilled trade, or pursue a college degree, GRCC is the right place for you,” McNeely said. “We are proud to be able to offer this programming to our community. We believe that working together within the educational community and in cooperation with area businesses, state colleges, and national trade associations is a great foundation for sustainable economic development in our area. We look forward to continuing this important work under our new name.”
GRCC is committed to exploring additional partnerships to continue to widen the opportunities available to our students. If you’d like to discuss how you can partner with GRCC to help build a better future in Grant County, contact Director Nate McNeely, [email protected].