Wayne County Community College District has nearly 50 years of uninterrupted operation and development of comprehensive educational services. Both directly and indirectly, our students and the 2.3 million people living within the College’s service district have enjoyed the benefits of constantly improved instructional programs and community services.
The story of Wayne County Community College District is one of continuing growth and innovation in providing educational training and leadership for the metropolitan region. The College was established in 1967 by the Legislature of the State of Michigan, and its initial seven-member Board of Trustees was elected the following year: The first operating budget was based on a $1,000,000 grant from the State of Michigan, as well as a $300,000 stipend from New Detroit, Inc., and anticipated student tuition payments at that time.
The new College had no buildings or facilities of its own, but with the cooperation of local school boards, classrooms were made available throughout the County of Wayne. In the summer of 1969, the Board of Trustees directed the staff to setup classes for the first fall semester. Instructors were hired, curricula were designed and the College opened its doors!
WCCCD’s five campuses are located in industrial, rural and metropolitan areas where a major share of Michigan’s technical and skilled occupations is located. Because of the diversity of its service areas, WCCCD places a strong emphasis on occupational and career programs, and traditional college and university transfer programs, including those within the liberal arts discipline.