Since establishing the Center for Alternative Fuels in 2006, Macomb has put a special emphasis on renewable energy training and education. The college has developed a wide variety of programs for area first responders, automotive technicians and the military, as well as creating special classes to introduce renewable energy concepts and opportunities to area elementary and high school students. The college’s renewable energy technology certificate has been newly expanded, providing students with six career pathways to choose from: wind energy, solar energy, biomass energy/alternative fuels, geothermal energy, green building/sustainable design, and entrepreneurship and small business. Additional advanced energy-related classes are also integrated into Macomb’s automotive technology program.

Rita Sadik, 21, (shown here with President Jim Jacobs following commencement on May 14) remembers struggling to learn English as a first grader at Hiller Elementary School after her family moved here from Iraq.  Last month, she was Macomb’s Most Distinguished Graduate, with writing and delivering the commencement speech to her classmates part of the honor.  “My communications skills have improved dramatically since I have attended Macomb,” says Sadik, who intends to pursue bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing at Oakland University.  “Macomb helped me figure out what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. Because of Macomb, I am ready and confident to go on to a university.”