Community colleges serve an important role in our communities and our economy.

For some, community colleges are the only affordable path to postsecondary education, helping to bridge high school and university in a cost-effective way.

For others, community colleges offer the training necessary to immediately start a new career.

Alpena Community College serves both of those functions, and, according to a recent story by News staff writer Steve Schulwitz, is serving them well.

Schulwitz reported that ACC had the highest graduation rate of all Michigan community colleges, according to the 2022 Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System Data Feedback Report. ACC also ranks at the top of enrollment increases for the upcoming spring semester, data shows.

According to a press release from the college, ACC had a graduation rate of 42% which claimed the top spot over Glen Oaks Community College, which had a graduation rate of 40%.

ACC also had a 13.95% increase in headcount enrollment, and credit enrollment had increased to 8.69%, both of which were first among Michigan community colleges as reported by the Michigan Community College Student Services Association enrollment report.

“These metrics matter to our students, staff, and the communities we serve,” MacMaster said. “They represent a shared focus on student success and professional persistence toward the goal of delivering quality postsecondary education that transforms lives. I couldn’t be prouder of the ACC team.”

We couldn’t agree more.

Congratulations to everyone at ACC, staff and students alike.