Port Huron, Mich. — St. Clair County Community College (SC4) is highlighting its support for a new statewide initiative led by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO), the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP), and the Michigan Community College Association (MCCA) that awards college credit for registered apprenticeship training in the skilled trades.

The initiative recognizes the value of apprenticeship learning by allowing individuals who complete registered apprenticeship programs in the skilled trades to earn college credit that can be applied toward an associate degree or technical certificate. This effort strengthens Michigan’s commitment to aligning workforce development with higher education and expanding opportunities for students and working adults across the state.

For SC4, the initiative reinforces the College’s long-standing mission to support skilled trades education while expanding academic pathways for career advancement. By recognizing apprenticeship experience as college-level learning, the program creates a direct connection between hands-on workforce training and formal academic credentials.

This approach allows students and apprentices to build on skills earned in the workplace while also gaining additional qualifications that can increase earning potential, improve job mobility, and support long-term career growth. Credits earned through apprenticeship training can be applied toward degrees and certificates, reducing duplication of training and accelerating completion of postsecondary credentials.

SC4 leaders emphasize that this initiative reflects a broader shift in higher education that values multiple pathways to success and recognizes the importance of real-world experience. It also strengthens partnerships between community colleges, labor organizations, and industry employers to ensure educational programs remain aligned with workforce needs across Michigan.

Sarah Rutallie, SC4 Chief of Staff, said, “This initiative is a powerful recognition of the skills and expertise individuals develop through apprenticeships. At SC4, we believe learning happens in many settings, and when we connect hands-on experience with academic credit, we create stronger pathways to opportunity, advancement, and lifelong success for our students and our community.”

The initiative also supports Michigan’s broader goal of increasing the number of residents with postsecondary credentials, helping ensure a strong and competitive workforce for the future.

SC4 will continue working with state partners, employers, and trade organizations to explore opportunities that integrate apprenticeship pathways into academic programs and expand access to stackable credentials for students pursuing careers in high-demand fields.

###

For media inquiries, please contact Sarah Rutallie, Chief of Staff , SC4, at srutallie@sc4.edu

St Clair County Community College (SC4) was founded in 1923 and is the only public higher education institution in the thumb of Michigan. SC4 is a comprehensive community college that provides certificates and degrees for employable skills and college credits that can be transferred to a four-year college or university. The college provides collegiate arts and athletics for the area and has been an asset for students and the Port Huron community for over one hundred years.  

Port Huron, Mich. — St. Clair County Community College (SC4) proudly celebrated its 2026 Commencement Ceremony on May 8, recognizing 625 students who completed their academic programs during the academic year. The ceremony marked an important milestone for graduates, their families, and the College community, honoring achievement, perseverance, and academic success.

The annual commencement ceremony brought together students, faculty, staff, and community members to celebrate the dedication and hard work that led to program completion. Each graduate was formally recognized for reaching this significant academic milestone and for their commitment to advancing their education and future opportunities.

SC4 also highlighted students who plan to continue their education at Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU) through the College’s new partnership pathway, which strengthens transfer opportunities and supports a seamless transition to bachelor’s degree completion. Through this collaboration, students are able to pursue SVSU bachelor’s degree programs right here in Port Huron, increasing access to advanced education without leaving the community.

SC4 Chief of Staff Sarah Rutallie emphasized the significance of the milestone and the College’s commitment to student success, stating, “Commencement is a celebration of persistence, growth, and achievement. Each of these graduates represents the impact of hard work, support systems, and opportunity coming together. SC4 is proud to walk alongside our students as they reach this moment and as they move forward into their next chapter.”

Throughout the ceremony, graduates were celebrated for their resilience and determination, as well as the encouragement and support provided by faculty, staff, families, and community partners. The event reflected SC4’s mission of empowering students through education and preparing them for meaningful contributions in their chosen fields.

The May 8 ceremony also reinforced SC4’s ongoing commitment to student completion, expanding educational pathways, and creating opportunities for individuals across the region to achieve their academic and career goals. For more information about SC4 programs and student opportunities, visit www.sc4.edu. Fall 2026 enrollment is open and classes begin Monday, August 24.

###

For media inquiries, please contact Sarah Rutallie, Chief of Staff, SC4, at srutallie@sc4.edu

St Clair County Community College (SC4) was founded in 1923 and is the only public higher education institution in the thumb of Michigan. SC4 is a comprehensive community college that provides certificates and degrees for employable skills and college credits that can be transferred to a four-year college or university. The college provides collegiate arts

and athletics for the area and has been an asset for students and the Port Huron community for over one hundred years.  

Port Huron, Mich. — St. Clair County Community College (SC4) students in GD 255: Graphic Design 2 recently turned classroom concepts into wearable art through a hands-on collaboration with The Imprint House, a locally owned print shop in Port Huron.

Owned and operated by Ted Smith, The Imprint House welcomed nine SC4 graphic design students into its family-run business for an immersive introduction to two-color screenprinting. Students received hands-on instruction from Kyle Smith, gaining real-world insight into professional print production processes in a working studio environment.

Led by Professor Sarah Flatter, the project guided students through multiple stages of the design and production process. Each student developed an original T-shirt design, which was refined through several rounds of in-class voting and critique. Two standout designs were selected for professional production, while the remaining student designs were transferred onto tote bags using sublimation printing.

The selected winning designs were created by Cali Bacon, inspired by her love of sharks, and Liam Long, featuring a playful “How are you feline today?” themed concept.

“This project introduced students to key production skills, including color separation, spot-color design, and transferring artwork to screens using the photo-emulsion process,” said Professor Flatter. “Experiences like this help bridge the gap between classroom learning and professional practice. We’re incredibly grateful to Kyle Smith and The Imprint House for sharing their time, expertise, and insight into the print industry—from apparel printing to automotive wraps.”

The collaboration underscores SC4’s continued commitment to career-focused, experiential learning and strengthening meaningful connections between students and local creative industries. For more information about SC4’s Graphic Design program, visit https://sc4.edu/programs

###

For media inquiries, please contact Sarah Rutallie, Chief of Staff and Athletic Director, SC4, at srutallie@sc4.edu

St Clair County Community College (SC4) was founded in 1923 and is the only public higher education institution in the thumb of Michigan. SC4 is a comprehensive community college that provides certificates and degrees for employable skills and college credits that can be transferred to a four-year college or university. The college provides collegiate arts and athletics for the area and has been an asset for students and the Port Huron community for over one hundred years.  

Port Huron, Mich. — St. Clair County Community College (SC4) proudly recognized the 2026 recipients of the Del James Blessinger Award for Teaching Excellence during the annual Commencement and Employee Recognition Luncheon held on May 8. This year’s honorees are Professor Katy McCullough and Instructor Stewart Reed, who were celebrated for their outstanding commitment to student learning, instructional excellence, and service to the College community.

The Del James Blessinger Award for Teaching Excellence is one of SC4’s most prestigious honors, established to recognize faculty members who demonstrate exceptional teaching, inspire student success, and contribute meaningfully to the College community. The award is supported through the Del James Blessinger Foundation for the Benefit of St. Clair County Community College.

A 1963 graduate of Port Huron Junior College—now SC4—Del James Blessinger made a generous gift to support the College in 1988, reflecting his belief in the lasting influence individuals have on one another and the benefit SC4 provides to the community.

Recipients of the award are selected by the Del James Blessinger Award Trust, which evaluates nominees based on teaching effectiveness, dedication to students, and contributions to the College community. Members of the Trust include Stephen Saffee, John Lusk, Kirk Kramer, Becky Gentner, and Sarah Rutallie, who oversee the continued integrity and purpose of the award.

SC4 President Kirk Kramer said, “Honoring the legacy of Del James Blessinger through faculty excellence awards recognizes the profound impact SC4 has on people and their lives.” Kramer went on to say, “We are proud to celebrate the strength, courage, and perseverance that higher education fosters and as evident in this Blessinger award. The 2026 award recipients exemplify SC4’s enduring commitment to empowering people and transforming lives.”

The recognition of Professor McCullough and Instructor Reed underscores SC4’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence and highlights the vital role faculty play in shaping student success. The Blessinger Award remains a meaningful tradition that connects the College’s present achievements to a legacy of generosity, service, and belief in the transformative power of education.

###

For media inquiries, please contact Sarah Rutallie, Chief of Staff and Athletic Director, SC4, at srutallie@sc4.edu

St Clair County Community College (SC4) was founded in 1923 and is the only public higher education institution in the thumb of Michigan. SC4 is a comprehensive community college that provides certificates and degrees for employable skills and college credits that can be transferred to a four-year college or university. The college provides collegiate arts and athletics for the area and has been an asset for students and the Port Huron community for over one hundred years.