Key Takeaways
- The U.S. Department of Education grants $2.36 million to expand Michigan State University’s food workforce program.
- The program aims to increase community college partnerships from three to eleven, enhancing access to industry-aligned education.
- Funding will support scholarships and the development of mobile food processing labs for hands-on training.
The Michigan State University Institute of Agricultural Technology (IAT) is set to enhance its Food Processing, Technology and Safety (FPTS) workforce training program through a $2.36 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE). Launched in fall 2019, the FPTS program equips students with the skills to convert agricultural commodities into consumable food products, providing graduates with MSU certificates and associate degrees through partner community colleges.
This new funding will expand the number of community college partners from three to eleven, improving access to short-term, industry-relevant training. This initiative aims to address the high demand for qualified workers in Michigan’s food and agriculture sector, which supports over 400,000 jobs but currently faces over 15,000 unfilled positions. Jeno Rivera, director of MSU IAT, highlighted that the grant will facilitate increased industry engagement and support for students through scholarships, easing financial barriers for enrollment and completion.
The FPTS program will be incorporated as a flexible 15-credit concentration within existing associate degrees offered at community colleges. Additionally, it will offer micro-credentials—short, stackable qualifications that address specific industry needs. Rivera emphasized that this approach allows for greater access and participation by working adults and career changers.
Collaboration with local industry partners and the Michigan Department of Labor has been vital for designing the curriculum. The funding will also enhance an online talent marketplace integrated with Michigan Works!, enabling better connections between students and employers. As Carol Distel from West Michigan Works! noted, this initiative will broaden recruitment efforts and improve retention in the workforce.
To further support hands-on training, part of the funding will be allocated to develop a second mobile food processing lab capable of providing real-world training in various food processing techniques. These mobile labs are intended to reach students in rural areas, reducing barriers to traditional education and facilitating skills acquisition.
With micro-credentials designed for flexibility, employers can ensure that workers possess specific, in-demand skills. This aligns critical workforce development with educational opportunities, preparing graduates to meet industry expectations and improve job prospects in Michigan’s growing food processing sector.
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