Category: General

Free and reduced tuition opportunities at SC4

St. Clair County Community College tuition is a fraction of the cost of four-year institutions and a smart step in earning college credits toward a degree or transfer. Still, we understand concerns about paying for college. That’s why we wanted to make sure you’re aware of all the ways you may be able to attend SC4 for free or at a reduced rate. 

For most of the following programs and options, students will need to complete the FAFSA at fafsa.gov for consideration. SC4’s FAFSA Federal School Code is 002310.

  • Scholarships – SC4 awarded nearly three-quarters of a million dollars in scholarships to students in 2021-22.
  • Dual enrollment – Dual enrollment allows students to begin taking free dual enrollment classes in the 9th grade and continue to take up to 10 dual enrollment courses overall in grades 9-12.
  • Middle colleges – High school students can earn free college credits through Blue Water Middle College (BWMC) and Career and Technical Middle College (CTMC). Students begin their junior year and remain connected to their home high schools—with full participation in all high school sports, band, graduation ceremonies, etc. Students have the opportunity to earn an associate degree at no cost through one additional year of study.
  • Michigan Achievement Scholarship – Beginning with the high school Class of 2023, the Michigan Achievement Scholarship is available to students in the 2023-24 school year.
  • Michigan Reconnect Scholarship – Michigan Reconnect is a last-dollar scholarship program that pays for students 25 and older to attend their in-district community college and offers a large tuition discount if students attend an out-of-district community college.
  • Fostering Futures Scholarship – The Fostering Futures Scholarship provides scholarships to students who have experienced foster care in Michigan on or after age 13. Students must also demonstrate financial need to qualify.
  • Tuition Incentive Program – The Tuition Incentive Program encourages students to complete high school by providing college tuition assistance after graduation. Eligible students are those who have or have had Medicaid coverage for 24 months within a 36-month period as identified by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).
  • Federal Pell and other grants (under “Grants” at link)- The Federal Pell Grant is a need-based grant program awarded to low and middle-income undergraduate students who have not yet earned a bachelor’s or professional degree and are enrolled in an undergraduate degree program. The award range is set by the federal government each academic year and currently ranges from $672-$6,495. More grants are listed at sc4.edu/admissions/financial-aid/types-of-aid/ as well.   

Additional assistance may be provided through Veterans services, employer programs, external scholarships, loans and payment plans, work-study opportunities.

Visit sc4.edu/financialaid for more information. Contact our financial aid experts—who are committed to helping students navigate processes and find the best methods of aid, payment plans and more—at financialaid@sc4.edu or (810) 989-5530 with questions

Alumni Spotlight: Misty DeLeon

Current or most recent title and employer?
Clerical Services Program Leader at Sacred Heart Rehabilitation Center

How did SC4 help prepare you?
It incited a desire to go further and be an agent of change.

What do you like most about what you do professionally?
I have the best of all worlds. I get to work with clients and help my employees develop personally and professionally.

Did you transfer on and earn other degrees? If so, what degrees and from where?
I have my bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan-Flint and my master’s in clinical psychology with a concentration in applied behavioral analysis from the Michigan School of Psychology.

SC4 celebrates official 100th birthday June 11

St. Clair County Community College (SC4) is celebrating its 100th anniversary year-round in 2023, but its official 100th birthday is June 11, 2023. The College—as Michigan’s second oldest community college—was founded as Port Huron Junior College on June 11, 1923, and has now contributed to southeast Michigan’s academic, economic and social advancement for a century.

Students attending the College during the 1923-24 academic year studied engineering, pre-med, pre-law, pre-dental, business administration and general studies—and could enroll in any of the 13 courses offered, which included zoology, biology, history, chemistry, French, rhetoric and mathematics.

Today, approximately 350 unique courses are offered to about 4,000 students annually and its alumni are living, leading and serving our communities and beyond in health care, education, engineering, manufacturing, hospitality, government, public safety, design and more.

“The College is intrinsically tied to its community and is driven by a commitment to student growth and success,” said SC4 President Dr. Deborah A. Snyder. “We have been fortunate to have the advocacy and commitment of our community throughout our institution’s history.”

SC4 continuously has adapted to better serve students. For instance, it acquired the North Building in 1963 and celebrated the openings of the Clara E. Mackenzie Building and A.J. Theisen Building in the 1960s, the College Center and Fine Arts Buildings in the 1970s, the Applied Technology Center in the early 1980s, and the Health Sciences Building, College Housing, SC4 Fieldhouse, Experience Center and Challenger Learning Center in the 2010s.

It also has strengthened offerings for students through the Blue Water Middle College, the Career and Technical Middle College, dual enrollment, scholarships and grants, on-campus and online course options, enhanced support services like a basic needs pantry and 24/7 counseling, new athletics opportunities such as soccer, Esports, dance and wheelchair basketball—and much more.

“It’s important that we anticipate the evolving needs and interests of our students and community,” Dr. Snyder said. “Our world is changing rapidly, but I am confident in this College’s ability to offer a supportive and transformative experience for its students for many years to come.”

SC4 also brings to campus community residents and visitors of all ages for athletic games and tournaments, concerts, field trips, corporate outings and professional development, tours, events, exhibits and more.

For 100 years, SC4 has made a significant impact on the region, and it continues to be a key destination where students can achieve their educational goals, and community members can explore passions and interests.

Students interested in earning affordable credits toward a degree or transfer pathway, as well as those community members interested in learning more about a particular topic or passion, can now apply and register to secure summer fast-path or fall semester classes, which begin Aug. 21. For more information, contact the SC4 Admissions team at (810) 989-5571 or starthere@sc4.edu.

SC4 Symphonic Band to play three waterfront concerts this summer

The St. Clair County Community College (SC4) Symphonic Band will perform three free twilight concerts this summer in the Riverside Pavilion, adjacent to the College’s campus along the Black River in Port Huron.

Twilight concert dates include:

Saturday, June 17, 2023
6 to 8 p.m.

Saturday, July 8, 2023
6 to 8 p.m.

Sunday, Aug. 6, 2023
6 to 8 p.m.

Led by Erick Senkmajer, the bands will play classic and contemporary songs for the June 17 and Aug. 6 concerts. The July 8 concert will highlight sounds and styles from the 1920s to celebrate the College’s 100th anniversary year.

Students, faculty, staff, alumni, friends and neighbors of all ages are invited to attend.