The Oceana Community Foundation (OCF) and Muskegon Community College (MCC) formally signed an updated Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on September 10, 2026 at MCC, reaffirming their shared commitment to helping Oceana County adults pursue the education and training needed to move forward in their careers and lives.
The renewed agreement strengthens the partnership supporting the Complete Your Degree (CYD) Program, an initiative that helps adult learners navigate financial, personal, and logistical challenges that can interrupt their educational journeys. The program provides more than financial assistance, connecting participants with individualized support, success coaching, and resources designed to help them persist through graduation.
The agreement was signed by Dr. John Selmon, President of Muskegon Community College, and Tammy Carey, CEO of the Oceana Community Foundation, who shared remarks highlighting the impact the partnership has already made for Oceana County residents.
Now in its fourth year, the Complete Your Degree Program currently supports 16 students attending three local institutions. Since its launch, 12 participants have completed degrees and certificates in high-demand fields including nursing, machining, business administration, and other career pathways that strengthen the local workforce.
“Education can change the trajectory of a person’s life, but sometimes life gets in the way of education,” said Tammy Carey, CEO of the Oceana Community Foundation. “The Complete Your Degree program is about recognizing those barriers and helping remove them. It’s not just about paying tuition. It’s about surrounding students with the resources, guidance and support they need to stay on their path and reach the finish line.”
Dr. John Selmon, President of Muskegon Community College, emphasized the importance of creating opportunities for adult learners.
“MCC and OCF share a simple but important belief: adults in our communities deserve the opportunity to continue their education,” said Dr. John Selmon. “Partnerships like this remind us that when we invest in people and give them a chance to finish what they started, we help create opportunities that can have a lasting impact on Oceana County for years to come.”
The updated agreement reflects both organizations’ ongoing investment in educational attainment, workforce development, and economic opportunity throughout Oceana County. By helping adults complete credentials and degrees, the partnership supports stronger families, employers, and communities across the region.