Community

Thriving communities nurture, attract and retain an educated workforce. Training and education leads to higher incomes, successful business and industry, and a better quality of life. To help prepare southwest Michigan for the careers of today and tomorrow, Lake Michigan College is developing the programs, services and facilities that create first-class student experiences that draw people of all ages and backgrounds to pursue higher learning.

Why is this important? Projections of jobs in Michigan show that, by 2031, almost 70 percent of all jobs in Michigan will require education beyond high school. Specifically, 35 percent of all Michigan jobs will require some college education or an associate degree. Yet only 37% of Berrien County residents and 29% of Van Buren County residents who are of working age have earned a post-secondary credential.

Alumni and community members can support this valuable goal by donating, volunteering and participating in fundraisers including the annual Student Benefit Auction and Foundation Golf Outing. 

At Lake Michigan College, you're a Red Hawk for life. Our alumni are living proof that an LMC education can truly fit into any life - and make any dream a reality. We're proud to say many of our alumni are still actively engaged with the college through donations of time, money and talent. We could not continue to serve our students and the southwest Michigan community without their support.

Lake Michigan College is dedicated to helping community members who are interested in furthering their education for their careers or for personal enrichment. Community Education classes have included Wines of the World, chocolate-making, welding and laser engraving. A series of Continuing Education classes for criminal justice professionals is ongoing. Consult the webpage for current offerings.

LMC also offers Community Education English as a Second Language (ESL) classes that provide instruction in American English language and culture. These integrated skills classes help you to develop your speaking, listening, reading and writing skills to prepare you for entering college or employment. 

Lake Michigan College is dedicated to being a good steward to our community and hosts several programs designed to assist community members in need.

The Educational Opportunity Center can help residents who are nineteen years of age and over earn their GED or reach their college educational goals, no matter where they want to attend.

The Upward Bound program assists low-income, first-generation college-bound students enrolled in Benton Harbor High School, as well as students who have been in a foster care program, with the skills and motivation necessary to complete high school, enroll in, and graduate from a post-secondary institution with a bachelor's degree.

LMC offers services for students and community members who are looking for full-time or part-time positions. Job seekers can take advantage of a job board, resume-building and interviewing assistance, job fairs and more.

Lake Michigan College strengthens area businesses and organizations by providing essential services like employee and intern recruitment, Custom Workforce Training and spaces for meetings and events.

“We’re proud to partner with LMC in educating young men and women in the skilled trades/manufacturing programs. We hire some of the best young talent in the area and LMC does an excellent job of co-training our apprentices.” 

MIKE LEVI
EAGLE TECHNOLOGIES

The Fab Lab at the Hanson Technology Center is an open-access digital fabrication studio and collaborative workshop. Members and workshop participants have made everything from a robotic arm to cosplay costumes, kayaks to holiday ornaments, cookies to beehives, and more! Equipment available includes laser cutters, 3D printers, vinyl cutters, woodshop, CNC router, hand tools, Adobe Creative Suite software, serger, embroidery machine, walking foot sewing machine.

No experience necessary - instruction included!

More than 100,000 people visit The Mendel Center on the Lake Michigan College Benton Harbor Campus each year for performances, learning and creative opportunities and personal or business events. 

The Mendel Center Jenkins Theatre and the Speaker Series bring world-class performances and speakers to the area, including recently Dave Ramsey, the Piano Guys, Gordon Lightfoot and Ben Vereen.  

The Mendel Center is the largest venue in the area for business meetings, weddings and other events. On-site catering operation and available beverage options simplify your planning process. Dozens of popular events are held at the center every year, including Wedding World, the Cornerstone Chamber of Commerce Fall Trade Fair, the Blossomtime pageant, the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association district festival, Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra performances and more.

The LMC Performing Arts program is housed at the Mendel Center, and puts on more than 20 performances each year. Students learn in the Mendel Center’s classrooms, rehearse on its stages, are inspired by performances from masters of the craft, and socialize and practice with each other in its halls. The Mendel Center serves as the campus for this group of talented students, who go on to inspire others. 

Lake Michigan Vintners is the Midwest's only commercial teaching winery. Lake Michigan College works in collaboration with LMV to provide hands-on experience to students in the LMC Wine and Viticulture Technology program. They learn every aspect of winemaking and vineyard management and help to staff the LMV tasting room in Baroda.

One of LMC’s highest priorities is to connect with our communities and make a positive impact. That’s why we set aside a limited amount of funds each year to sponsor selective community events and initiatives in return for exposure and promotion of the college within our constituencies.

If you have an initiative that connects with LMC audiences and aligns with our mission and values, we’d love to know more about it! Submit a request to be considered.

Originally laid out and maintained by Professor Emeritus Robert Schodorf, the Lake Michigan Nature Trail includes 1.8 miles of trail through 70 acres of woods and along the water behind the college. The trailhead is by the Athletics Field parking lot. There is additional access near the Mendel Center Parking Lot A.

The trail is open to the public daily from sunrise to sunset.