Innovative LMC – Berrien RESA Partnership Fills Major Need & Saves Taxpayer Dollars

BENTON HARBOR, MI – In February of 2024, Lake Michigan College (LMC) and Berrien Regional Educational Service Agency (RESA) forged a groundbreaking partnership that brings career and technical education (CTE) to local students while avoiding costly new construction and additional taxpayer expense. 

Addressing a Critical Gap 

Unlike neighboring Van Buren and Kalamazoo counties, Berrien County lacks a centralized CTE facility. Despite three separate millage attempts over several decades, voters have consistently declined to fund construction of such a center. Recognizing this persistent challenge, leaders from LMC, Berrien RESA, the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber of Commerce, and the Greater Niles Chamber of Commerce unveiled their innovative collaboration at the 2024 Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber of Commerce annual meeting. 

"Aligning our resources, building partnerships with local schools and local companies, while saving taxpayer dollars was the way forward," said LMC President Dr. Trevor Kubatzke. 

The partnership directly responds to a critical workforce shortage facing regional employers. Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber President Arthur Havlicek emphasized the urgency of the situation: "The number one thing we hear from chamber members is they cannot find the skilled labor they need to operate, much less grow. Our counter to that is create a county-wide talent supply chain that aligns education and business, up skills talent, and connects it to high wage careers here in Southwest Michigan." 

Partnership Structure and Benefits 

To clarify community questions about the arrangement, the partnership operates on these key principles: 

• Facility Transfer: LMC transferred its Niles campus building to Berrien RESA for $1, transforming the space into the Berrien Innovation Center (BIC).
• Continued Educational Services: LMC maintains its presence at the BIC, continuing to offer college courses and serving Early/Middle College and Dual Enrollment students.
• Cost-Effective Operations: LMC operates rent-free at the facility, demonstrating the partnership's commitment to resource efficiency.
• Strategic Resource Alignment: The collaboration maximizes existing infrastructure rather than requiring millions in new construction and development costs. 

Expanding Educational Access

The partnership extends beyond the BIC. The Main Building and Hanson Tech Center on LMC's main campus in Benton Harbor and LMC’s South Haven campus also welcome K-12 students for CTE, broadening educational opportunities throughout the region. 

"Creating partnerships to solve community issues is in our DNA," Dr. Kubatzke told the LMC Board of Trustees. “The college already hosts community partners including the Logan Center and Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra, which rent space and contribute to the campus community.” 

Looking Forward 

This partnership represents a model for addressing educational and workforce development challenges through strategic collaboration rather than costly infrastructure expansion. As Dr. Kubatzke noted, "We will continue to look for strategic partnerships, so we can help Southwest Michigan grow and prosper." 

The LMC-Berrien RESA partnership demonstrates how educational institutions can innovate to meet community needs while maintaining fiscal responsibility, creating a sustainable path forward for career-technical education in Berrien County. 

About Lake Michigan College

LMC is also the region’s leader in high quality, affordable higher education, offering associate degrees, certificates, and transfer programs in more than 80 fields of study. LMC offers national-title-winning intercollegiate athletic teams, on-campus housing, and a wealth of extracurricular activities, clubs, and organizations to create an authentic college experience close to home. For more information, visit lakemichigancollege.edu.