PORT HURON, Mich. St. Clair County Community College (SC4) is proud to share the results of its latest independent economic impact study, which highlights a significant and growing contribution to the regional economy, workforce, and overall community well-being. Conducted by Lightcast, a nationally recognized leader in economic impact analysis, the report shows that SC4 contributed $149.9 million to the St. Clair County economy in fiscal year 2024–25, representing an increase of nearly 9% compared to the previous study four years ago. This growth reflects the combined impact of college operations, construction activity, and student and alumni spending.

Beyond the classroom, SC4 plays a vital role in driving regional activity through athletics, performances, concerts, STEM Fest, and other community events that attract visitors and support local businesses. The college also strengthens the regional economy through strategic purchasing, partnerships, and the broader multiplier effect of its employees and students. The study further underscores SC4’s value as an investment for students, taxpayers, and society, noting that associate degree graduates earn approximately $8,800 more annually than individuals with only a high school diploma, while also contributing to increased tax revenue, reduced reliance on public services, and improved health outcomes across Michigan.

“These findings confirm what our community already knows, SC4 is a vital investment in our future,” said Becky Gentner, Chief Financial and Operating Officer. “Our students succeed, our businesses thrive, and our region grows stronger because of the opportunities we provide.”

With more than 4,000 students served annually and growing partnerships, including expanded pathways to bachelor’s degrees through Saginaw Valley State University, SC4 continues to strengthen its role as a key driver of regional prosperity and long-term economic impact.

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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) will welcome Professor Daniel Herbert of the University of Michigan on June 17, 2026, for a free public discussion of his new book, Maverick Movies: New Line Cinema and the Transformation of American Film.

Herbert, a Professor of Film, Television and Media, will present insights from the book, answer audience questions, and sign copies following the presentation.

Maverick Movies examines the rise of New Line Cinema, the independent film company founded by Michigan native Robert Shaye that grew into one of Hollywood’s most influential studios during the 1980s and 1990s. The book explores the company’s Michigan roots, its growing role in shaping the American film industry, its eventual sale to Warner Bros., and its continuing impact on contemporary entertainment.

New Line Cinema was responsible for a wide range of popular films and franchises, including A Nightmare on Elm Street, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Austin Powers, Blade, Rush Hour, Final Destination, and The Lord of the Rings trilogy.

“SC4 is excited to bring Professor Herbert to campus for what promises to be a fascinating discussion of film history, popular culture, and Michigan’s connection to one of Hollywood’s most influential studios,” said Sarah Rutallie, Chief of Staff at SC4. “Events like this reflect our commitment to providing enriching cultural and educational experiences that connect our community with leading scholars and important conversations.”

Following the discussion, SC4 Cinema will present a screening of the 1990 cult classic House Party. The colorful comedy, rated R for language and crude humor, features wall-to-wall early-1990s hip-hop music and stars Kid ‘N Play, Martin Lawrence, and Robin Harris. Renowned film critic Roger Ebert praised the film for its “energy and exuberance.”

Admission to Professor Herbert’s presentation is free and open to the public. Tickets for the House Party screening are $5.

For more information about this and other upcoming screenings, visit www.SC4Cinema.com.

Event Details

What: Discussion and book signing with Professor Daniel Herbert, author of Maverick Movies: New Line Cinema and the Transformation of American Film

When: June 17, 2026 at 6:00 PM

Where: SC4 Cinema – 301 Huron Avenue, Port Huron

Cost: Free presentation; $5 admission for the House Party screening at 8:00 PM

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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) will mark Juneteenth with its second annual exhibition celebrating African American history, culture and achievement. The exhibit opens Thursday, June 11, 2026, with a public reception beginning at 3:30 PM in the SC4 Fine Arts Gallery.

Building on the success of last year’s inaugural exhibit, this year’s display features new exhibits and educational materials that explore the significance of Juneteenth and the enduring contributions of African Americans to the nation’s history and culture.

Community members, students, faculty and staff are invited to attend the free opening reception and view the exhibition, which will remain on display through the end of the month.

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, learned they were free more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation had been issued. Today, the holiday serves as a celebration of freedom, resilience and progress while encouraging reflection on America’s ongoing journey toward equality.

“Following the positive response to last year’s exhibit, we are excited to continue this tradition by offering new perspectives and learning opportunities for our campus and community,” said Sarah Rutallie, Chief of Staff at SC4. “This exhibition encourages meaningful conversations about history, freedom and the diverse experiences that have shaped our nation.”

The exhibit reflects SC4’s commitment to educational programming that fosters cultural awareness, civic engagement and lifelong learning.

Admission is free and open to the public.

Event Details

What: Second Annual Juneteenth Exhibition Opening Reception

When: Thursday, June 11, 2026, at 3:30 PM

Where: SC4 Fine Arts Gallery, St. Clair County Community College – 601 Erie Street, Port Huron

Cost: Free and open to the public

Exhibit Dates: June 11-30, 2026

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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) 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.

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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.