The state's budget for community colleges passed Thursday includes $56 million allowing certain students to pursue a four-year nursing degree on a community college campus in partnership with a four-year college.

A scholarship program first proposed in the Senate budget did not make it into the final budget but $250 million was put into a fund for a yet-to-determined postsecondary scholarship.

Education groups, including the Michigan Association of State Universities, signed onto the plan earlier this month. It comes as there has been disagreement over how to expand opportunities for individuals to obtain a four-year nursing degree at community colleges.

The focus of the plan is to allow nurses with associate degrees to complete their bachelor's degrees in nursing on community college campuses through partnerships with four-year colleges and universities.

Each of the state's 28 community colleges would be eligible for $2 million in grant funding to implement the program under the proposal. Local employers and local workforce development agencies would also provide input and collaboration under the plan.

The Michigan Community Colleges Association also supported the proposal.

Article by Gongwer News Service