Schoolcraft College becomes first adopter for pioneering masonry trades program

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The pioneering initiative awards college credit to participants who complete the building trades Registered Apprenticeship Programs.

A groundbreaking public/private collaboration with the Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 2, the Michigan Community College Association and Michigan’s Labor and Economic Development Office (LEO) are pioneering a new workforce development model. The initiative integrates apprenticeship training and a learner’s experience into credit toward an associate degree at 24 Michigan community colleges.

The pioneering initiative awards college credit to participants who complete the building trades Registered Apprenticeship Programs. In the model, apprentices enrolled in the program will have access to tutoring, advising and student wellness services while learning in a hands-on environment connecting classroom learning with real-world application. Livonia-based Schoolcraft College is the first institution to adopt this new collaboration.

“We believe the MI-CCAP agreement is one of the first in the country to facilitate a transfer agreement to union workers. I thank Schoolcraft College President Dr. Glenn Cerny for leading the way to early adoption of this program,” said Susan Corbin, the director of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Development. “This program enables past, current, and future apprentices to earn college credit for their on-the-job training. It opens doors to degrees and certifications that strengthen careers, support employers, and build a skilled, adaptable workforce across Michigan.”

A dual enrollment opportunity also exists for high school students to enroll in the program and graduate from high school with their diploma, complete an apprenticeship and earn credits toward a college degree.

“This partnership is one more tool for us to recruit and train union workers and leaders,” said Brett Gierak, president of the Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Union Local 2 of Michigan. “The program is an opportunity for our workers to continue their education without having to start over.”

“By awarding college credit for apprenticeship, we are creating clear pathways for apprentices to further their education, gain additional skills and advance their careers to build a stronger workforce and support local employers,” said MCCA President Brandy Johnson.

This model is especially important as the Bricklayers Union and Schoolcraft College implement a new partnership funded in part by Congressionally Directed Spending, sponsored by U.S. Sen. Gary Peters and LEO.

“This agreement is meeting learners where they are and moving them forward statewide,” Cerny said. “Hands-on training while earning credit for this experience is vital to their successes. We look forward to welcoming these workers to Schoolcraft College as they continue their education and grow their skills.”

The Schoolcraft College Foundation played a significant part in supporting and securing funding for this partnership which will provide additional opportunities for Michigan residents to secure living wage-paying jobs, while providing an educational pathway to future careers if they choose to pursue them.

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A recent change in state law now allows applicants to apply for the scholarship beginning at age 21, down from its previous threshold of 25.

Since launching in 2021, the Michigan Reconnect scholarship has enabled thousands of people across Michigan to attend college. A recent expansion of the program from the state will allow even more to enroll at institutions such as Schoolcraft College.

Michigan Reconnect is a last-dollar scholarship program that covers in-district tuition for Michigan residents who do not already hold an associate degree or higher, regardless of their income level. Formerly, the criteria required recipients to be 25 years old or older. A recent change in state law now allows applicants to apply beginning at age 21.

That change is one that was critically important to Kaleb Aethyr, a Schoolcraft College alumnus who was a Michigan Reconnect scholar when the age restriction was temporarily dropped to 21 several years ago.
Aethyr said without that scholarship program, he would not have had an opportunity to attend school without Michigan Reconnect.

“That’s why I want so badly for this program get pushed down to 21,” he said. “It’s important to catch people when they’re 21, because if you lose them, they’re probably never going to come.”

With recent changes in the state budget making the age requirement permanent, this shift opens the door for even more people to attend college and earn a degree or certificate. Having a degree can open more economic opportunities: those with at least a two-year degree earn $7,500 more annually than those without one.
There are plenty of programs for students to consider at Schoolcraft College, including health professions, culinary arts, criminal justice, manufacturing, the liberal arts, science and more.

“Since Michigan Reconnect launched, we’ve seen an uptick in non-traditional students apply for admission and enroll. This program is a gamechanger by encouraging working adults to return to school and better their lives through education,” said Angela Ackman, director of admissions at Schoolcraft College. “No matter what a student’s goals are, we can help them figure out the best course of action to take when beginning their academic journey.”

Schoolcraft College has plenty of resources to assist students as they prepare, including information nights, one-on-one guidance sessions and more. To learn more about how Schoolcraft College can help you with Michigan Reconnect, visit schoolcraft.edu/reconnect.

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The beer, Never Been To Spain, won first place in the Belgian-Style Strong Blonde Ale category.

Add one more accolade to the Schoolcraft College Brewing and Distillation Technology’s trophy case.

The winning beer, Never Been To Spain, won first a gold medal in the Belgian-Style Strong Blonde Ale category in the 2026 U.S. Open Beer Championship earlier this month.

Tom Block, director of the Brewing and Distillation Technology program, describes the beer as bright with some spice, brewed with Belgian candy sugar, orange peel and coriander.

“We have been lucky enough to win a lot of awards for our beer here at the Schoolcraft brewery. I’m super proud of that,” Block said. “This most-recent recognition shows the type of quality product our students create, and their hard work has paid off in winning this gold medal.”

Since launching more than 10 years ago, the Schoolcraft Brewery has won more than 30 awards for its brews, which are all created by students in the College’s Vistatech Center.

Schoolcraft College was one of six Michigan-based breweries to earn recognition in the annual competition, one of the premier contests in the brewing world.

Curious about what an award-winning brew tastes like? Never Been to Spain is available in four-pack cans and on tap at The Craft Grille, Schoolcraft College’s brewpub located inside the Vistatech Center.

Those looking to join the craft beer industry can learn more about opportunities at an open house for the Brewing and Distillation Technology program taking place from 4-8 p.m. Aug. 13. Guests can meet faculty, take a tour of the brewhouse and learn more about how to enroll in the program. Those interested in attending can register here.

To learn more about the Brewing and Distillation Technology program, visit schoolcraft.edu/brewing.

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The fair’s main attraction is the heart health screening, where students will have the opportunity to have their hearts checked with a diagnostic screening.

Student athletes looking to get ready for the fall sports season can do so later this summer at Schoolcraft College’s Student Athlete Health and Wellness Fair.

Game Ready, a brand-new health event designed for student athletes, will take place from 4-8 p.m. Aug. 3 in the gym at the College’s Physical Education Building. There, visitors will have the opportunity to participate in several activities, including athletic performance testing, a recovery lounge and a shoe customization station. Visitors can also collect stamps from each booth to enter raffles to win items such as hydration kits, exercise gear and more.

The fair’s main attraction is the heart health screening, where students will have the opportunity to have their hearts checked with a diagnostic screening and EKG performed by Trinity Health medical practitioners. The heart checks can identify underlying heart conditions that could increase the risk of a serious cardiac event during exercise or competition.

Those interested in a heart check must register in advance, as slots are limited. Those interested in signing up can do so here.

“This wellness fair builds on our commitment to serving the community and their physical fitness needs. Student athletes compete at the highest level, and we want to make sure they’re safe,” said Patty Donohue Ebach, Director of Recreation Services at Schoolcraft College. “We are dedicated to students’ health and getting a heart check is a great way to reduce the chance a student athlete has a serious heart problem before they take the field this fall.”

Schoolcraft College is located at 18600 Haggerty Road in Livonia. The Schoolcraft College Recreation Services Department operates the College’s Fitness Center and offers other recreational and health program opportunities. To learn more, visit schoolcraft.edu/fitness-center.

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The event will provide services to active-duty and reserve members of the military, as well as veterans. Military spouses, children and other dependents seeking clarity on education and benefits are also encouraged to attend.

Schoolcraft College’s Mark L. Whitfield Veterans & Military Services Center welcomes the community to attend a Benefits Bootcamp this month.

Scheduled to take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 30 in the College’s Vistatech Center, the Benefits Bootcamp will provide services to active-duty and reserve members of the military, as well as veterans. Military spouses, children and other dependents seeking clarity on education and benefits are also encouraged to attend.

Some of the services offered at the Benefits Bootcamp include:

  • Onsite verification and updates from the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) and ID card services
  • DD-214 form support
  • GI Bill guidance
  • Education benefits counseling
  • Hands-on support for completing benefits applications

In addition, visitors can also meet with representatives from the State of Michigan Veteran Services Office and Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency. Guests will also have the chance to meet with staff from the Mark L. Whitfield Veterans & Military Services Center at Schoolcraft College, which assists student veterans in their academic journey.

The event will take place in Room 460 in the Vistatech Center on the Schoolcraft College campus, 18600 Haggerty Road in Livonia. The event is free and open to the public, and no registration is required.

“This event is the perfect opportunity for veterans to access the benefits afforded to them by their valiant service in the military,” said Brent Landau, director of the Veterans Resource Center at Schoolcraft College. “Hosting such an event here allows us to bring these critical services to veterans and members of the military who live in the area, and we hope they come and learn more about their benefits.”

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The brewpub, located inside the Vistatech Center, is featuring daily dishes inspired by countries represented in the international soccer tournament.

Soccer fans have a new destination at Schoolcraft College this World Cup season: The Craft Grille is serving international cuisine inspired by participating nations in the global tournament.

The brewpub, located inside the Vistatech Center on the Livonia campus, is featuring daily dishes inspired by countries represented in the tournament. A new menu item is offered each day, prepared by the College’s Culinary Operations team.

Recent dishes have included:

  • Coxinha, a chicken-filled croquette from Brazil
  • Empanadas from Argentina
  • Handcrafted dumplings from Japan
  • Verdens Beste, a dessert made with vanilla cake, meringue and toasted almonds from Norway

Each featured dish is available for one day only, with specials continuing through the World Cup Final scheduled for July 19.

“The World Cup is an incredible celebration of cultures around the world and what better way to honor that than through food,” said Marielos Chan, sous chef with the College’s Culinary Operations team and a Schoolcraft College alumna. “With so many nations represented, there is a wide range of flavors to highlight. We are excited to continue creating these dishes throughout the tournament.”

To learn about each daily special, follow The Craft Grille on Facebook at facebook.com/SchoolcraftBrewery or on Instagram at instagram.com/thecraftgrille.

Opened in 2023, The Craft Grille is Schoolcraft College’s brewpub, serving items such as pizza, sandwiches, salads and appetizers. It also features beers brewed by students in the College’s Brewing and Distillation Technology program, produced on-site in the Vistatech Center.

The Craft Grille is open to the public and no reservations are required. Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday. To learn more, visit schoolcraft.edu/dining.

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There are two unique tracks for students when they start out at Schoolcraft College: transfer and career. Learn about the right path for you!

Because a two-year college is likely the first step in higher education for many people, it provides a wide range of opportunities depending on students’ academic goals. For many, their plan includes further education at a four-year school to earn a bachelor’s degree. These students are more likely to follow a transfer pathway.

Many students earn an Associate Degree in General Studies or similar credentials when they take this pathway. These students are prepared with a solid foundation in the liberal arts, sciences, languages and more. Classes taken in this pathway can satisfy the requirements for the Michigan Transfer Agreement, which has students complete a minimum of 30 semester hours of college-level credit that fulfills a portion of the lower-division general education requirements at participating four-year colleges or universities.

Schoolcraft College also has some articulation agreements with some four-year schools that will let students transfer up to three years of classes. That means students only need to take one year of courses at the four-year institution, which can save them even more money.

Students will graduate ready to thrive at a four-year institution, such as Wayne State University, Eastern Michigan University and the University of Michigan-Dearborn.

For those students looking to get a jump in the workforce, the occupational program pathway may be more desirable. Designed for students to pursue immediate employment, this pathway focuses on areas of study such as the skilled trades, health care and public safety.

For students going this route, they may pursue an associate degree, or they may opt to receive either a skills certificate or certificate, a credential that requires fewer – but more specialized – classes.

To better understand the correct pathway for a student’s goals, they are encouraged to meet with an academic advisor before signing up for classes to ensure they are enrolled in the proper pathway. Students may also investigate potential careers by using Career Coach, a free online career assessment and research tool that can be used to explore, prepare for and find the right career.

Offering these two pathways provides students with the opportunity to better prepare for their next steps, said Angela Ackman, Director of Admissions at Schoolcraft College.

“Community college pathways open doors for all students. Whether a student is aiming for a bachelor’s degree or a career-ready credential, we provide the support and resources to ensure they’re on the right path from day one,” she said. “Our programs are designed to give each student the knowledge, skills and guidance they need to succeed once they move onto their next chapter — whether that’s at a four-year university or in the workforce.”

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Students involved in the program, which has been done in conjunction with Schoolcraft College over the last five years, are afforded options to do community service with organizations such as GOAL Line, SOAR Detroit, Neighborhood Legal Services Michigan and more.

The Teach and S.T.E.P. program, offered to students at Detroit Western International High School, has provided many high school students the unique opportunity to better understand their options after graduation.

Students involved in the program, which has been done in conjunction with Schoolcraft College over the last five years, are afforded options to do community service with organizations such as GOAL Line, SOAR Detroit, Neighborhood Legal Services Michigan and more. The program was established with the help of Ryan Masters – an instructor at Western International who also teaches at Schoolcraft – to help develop a pipeline of students into teaching programs.

But the program is beneficial to students looking to go into a wide range of career fields, not just teaching.

“These are skills that they can take anywhere. It doesn’t matter if you want to be a surgeon, if you want to be a lawyer, whatever career pathway you want to pursue, that’s fine,” he said. “At some point, you have to recognize you’re going to have to teach: you’re going to have to teach your colleagues, you’re going to have to teach your subordinates, you’re going to have to teach somebody and pass on the skillsets and knowledge and the wisdom that you have.

“And that is what this program is all about.”

The high school students recently wrapped up their academic year by coming to Schoolcraft College and presenting their capstone portfolio, highlighting all the work they have done.

These students, many of them seniors, talked about their future collegiate plans, which included attending schools such as Michigan State University, Central Michigan University, Michigan Technological University and Schoolcraft College.

Justin Sosa Rodriguez, who plans on enrolling at Schoolcraft in the fall to pursue his associate degree, said during his presentation his participation in activities such as football, track and field, and the TEACH program helped him grow his leadership skills.

“These activities made me realize the importance of being a leader and having my own voice when it comes to learning,” he said.

In addition to presenting, students took a tour of campus and learned more about the potential offerings Schoolcraft has for them.

Dr. Keambra Pierson, Chief Academic Operations Officer, told the students their participation in TEACH and S.T.E.P. gives them advantages as they prepare for higher education.

“You are taking the time to invest in your future,” she said. “This program continues to demonstrate how the power of partnership can showcase student potential.”

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The open house will feature presentations and interactive displays, as well as guided tours of campus given by current students.

Schoolcraft College will host its first-ever Experience Schoolcraft Open House later this month, allowing prospective students and their families an opportunity to learn more about the College’s offerings.

The open house, which takes place from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. June 17 in the College’s Vistatech Center, will feature presentations and interactive displays, as well as guided tours of campus given by current students. Guests will be able to connect directly with representatives from various departments, such as Business, Police, Fire, Surgical Technology, Radiological Technology, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Media Arts, Culinary Arts and more. Live demonstrations will also be available of the College’s Health Professions Simulation Lab and Electron Microscope Lab.

Twenty-minute presentations will take place in the Kehrl Auditorium throughout the event. Those presentations will be given by representatives from Career Services, the Manufacturing and Engineering Center, Financial Aid, Dual Enrollment and more. A panel featuring current students sharing their experiences will also take place.

This event is designed to provide prospective students, families and community members with a comprehensive look at the College’s programs — offering opportunities to explore, ask questions and more.

“Schoolcraft College has many options for students and we’re looking forward to sharing them with the community at this incredible open house,” said Angela Ackman, Director of Admissions. “It’s never too early to begin thinking about college, and we have opportunities for everyone — whether you’re just starting out, exploring your options or planning your next step.”

Schoolcraft College is located at 18600 Haggerty Road in Livonia. The Vistatech Center can be found south of the new Nino Salvaggio International Marketplace, with ample parking available.

The open house is free and open to the public, though those interested in attending are encouraged to register in advance. More information, including how to register, can be found at schoolcraft.edu/openhouse.

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Luciana Trigoso is the second Schoolcraft student in two years to receive the Jack Kent Cooke scholarship.

A Schoolcraft College graduate has earned the most prestigious transfer scholarship in the nation.

Luciana Trigoso, who graduated this spring with an Associate of Science Degree, has been named a Jack Kent Cooke Scholar, joining 60 others across the country. That designation will provide her with up to $55,000/year for up to three years to complete a bachelor’s degree at any accredited undergraduate institution.

Trigoso, a Livonia Stevenson High School alumna, said she dual enrolled at Schoolcraft College while in high school, allowing her to complete her associate degree just one year after graduating high school.

“I always wanted to come here since my freshman year of high school. I just wasn’t too sure what I wanted to do with my life yet,” she said. “It ended up being a good thing for me, because after I started my math sequence, I began to adopt more study methods and began to meet a lot of people here.

“I think having that support motivated me to keep going and do better.”

She will continue her education at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where she plans to major in premed. She was also selected for a summer internship at U-M as part of their Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program.

Trigoso is the eighth Schoolcraft College student to earn the Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship in the institution’s history and is the only recipient this year from Michigan. This year marks the second year in a row Schoolcraft has a Jack Kent Cooke scholar: former student Skyler Umney received the scholarship last year.

“The Jack Kent Cooke Transfer Scholarship is the most prestigious and competitive transfer scholarship in the country, and we’re so proud of Luciana for earning this remarkable achievement,” said Dr. Laurie Kattuah-Snyder, Chief Student Service Officer. “This opportunity will provide Luciana not only with financial support to continue her education, but with a great network of fellow scholars to connect with.”

The Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship aims to help more students persist and complete their degrees by reducing financial barriers and providing the academic and advising support needed to navigate the transfer process.

This year’s selection process drew more than 1,300 applications from community colleges across the country. The 60 new Scholars were selected from a semifinalist pool of 485 students. Applicants are evaluated based on academic achievement, perseverance, and leadership.

“These Scholars reflect the depth of talent and determination found in community colleges across the country,” said Giuseppe “Seppy” Basili, Chief Executive Officer of the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation. “They’ve demonstrated what they’re capable of, and we’re proud to help ensure that financial barriers don’t prevent them from continuing their education and realizing their full potential.”

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The May 28 panel at the Mackinac Island policy conference will showcase how industry-education partnerships are essential to build a solid pipeline of workforce-ready graduates.

The Schoolcraft College Foundation is leading the discussion at the Detroit Regional Chamber’s 2026 Mackinac Policy Conference on Michigan’s workforce challenges. The Foundation has scheduled a panel discussion over breakfast May 28 with state leadership, education and industry/labor to showcase how industry-education partnerships are essential to build a solid pipeline of workforce-ready graduates. Interested parties can register here.

“Community colleges are an important part of Michigan’s workforce challenges solution,” says Dawn Dyer Magretta, Schoolcraft College Foundation Executive Director of Advancement. “We need to ensure community colleges are seen as a partner and relevant in today’s workforce as the continued evolution of technology, regulations and business models shift so we can prepare our students to fill talent gaps and be in demand for living wage-paying careers.”

The panel discussion will be moderated by Dan West, Livonia-Westland Chamber of Commerce President/CEO and feature:

Brett Gierak headshot

Brett Gierak
Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Union Local 2 of Michigan President

Gierak serves as Bricklayers Allied Craftworkers Local 2 of Michigan President and Bricklayers Pension Fund Chairman. He is actively involved in a number of industry and benefit organizations, serving as Health and Welfare Trust Fund Chairman, Cement Masons Pension Fund Secretary, and Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee Security.

Susan Corbin headshot

Susan Corbin
Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Opportunity Director

Corbin has served as a Senior Advisor in the Office of Governor Whitmer, Director of Customer Assistance in the Michigan Public Service Commission, Deputy Director and Chief of Staff for the Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth where she had oversight responsibility for the Unemployment Insurance Agency, the Worker’s Compensation Agency and the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Dr. Robert Leadley headshot

Dr. Robert Leadley
Schoolcraft College, Chief, Workforce and Economic Development Office

Leadley has served at Schoolcraft College in several leadership roles, including Associate Dean of Science and Dean of Occupational Programs and Economic Development. In addition, Dr. Leadley is currently teaching Business courses and has taught courses in Biology and Physical Education.

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The student-led newspaper took home 30 honors last month, competing against student newspapers from across the state.

Schoolcraft College student journalists took home plenty of accolades this spring.

The Schoolcraft Connection, the College’s student newspaper, received 10 awards in the 2025 Michigan Press Association Better College Newspaper Awards this spring during the MPA’s 2026 Convention held in East Lansing last month. The awards were given for work published from Aug. 1, 2024 through July 31, 2025.

In addition, the Connection staff also received 20 awards from the Michigan Community College Press Awards in March in Mount Pleasant.

Several individual students received awards in areas such as Sports News/Feature, non-front page design, Best News Photo, Photo Essay and more. Former editor-in-chief Jess Michael, a 2025 graduate, received three MPA awards for her reporting. Olivia Lambert, this past year’s editor-in-chief, earned three MCCPA awards for her work.

Students competed against other Michigan two-year college publications in the MPA awards, as well as college newspapers publishing less than weekly. The MCCPA awards are given out among the state’s community colleges.

The newspaper also placed third for online newspaper in the MPA awards, competing against other two- and four-year schools in the state.

“Our students put in tremendous work this year, and these awards are a testament to their dedication and commitment to the Schoolcraft College community,” said Rena Laverty, advisor for The Schoolcraft Connection. “Their journalism this past year has been outstanding, and I’m proud of each of them.”

newspaper spread with Batman-related imagery
This spread earned second place for non front-page design in the Michigan Press Association Better College Newspaper Awards.

List of Awards

Michigan Press Association Better College Newspaper Awards

First Place

Second Place

Third Place

  • Online Newspaper: Connection Staff

Honorable Mention

Michigan Community College Press Association Awards

First place

  • General Excellence: Connection Staff
  • Headline Writing: Olivia Lambert
  • Sports Column: Eduardo Niehues
  • Sports Feature: Eduardo Niehues
  • Inside Page Design: Andrew Husken

Second place

  • Multimedia Reporting: Madison DeNoyer/Josh Parrinello
  • Photo Essay: David Grant
  • Sports News Photo: Camille Jamison
  • Editorial: Connection Staff
  • Headline Writing: Joseph LoSchiavo
  • News Website: Connection Staff

Third place

  • Overall Newspaper Design: Connection Staff
  • News Photo: Josh Parrinello
  • Sports News Photo: Josh Parrinello
  • Editorial: Connection Staff

Honorable Mention

  • Inside Page Design: Rachel Husken
  • Front Page Design: Pili Estevez/Andrew Husken
  • Multimedia Reporting: Josh Parrinello/Olivia Lambert
  • Editorial: Connection Staff
  • Feature Story: Olivia Lambert
grad in regalia smiling with degree on stage
This photo taken by Cameron Waller earned Honorable Mention for Best News Photo for the Michigan Press Association Better College Newspaper Awards.