Bay College in Escanaba and Gogebic Community College (GCC) are partnering to give students in the Western Upper Peninsula the opportunity to participate in an innovative, co-curricular program called the Civics Corps, which has been in operation at Bay College since 2020.

Starting this fall semester, GCC students will have the opportunity to participate virtually alongside Bay College students as they design and host Veterans Speak, an intergenerational program that brings together veterans of different ages to share about their experiences each November. In spring semesters, participating students earn a micro-credential in civic diplomacy, and at the end of each semester, the students also produce a podcast reflecting on their experiences.

The Civics Corps club experience combines concepts drawn from history and psychology with hands-on experiences in dialogue, teamwork, community service, and civic engagement. "Community colleges are uniquely positioned to help students connect education with the real world," said Dr. June Klees, Civics Corps founder and advisor, “and the Civics Corps gives students a chance to practice key job-ready skills, while having a fun and meaningful experience. We are excited to extend that opportunity to students at Gogebic Community College."

As part of the intergenerational focus of the program, students from both campuses will work with members of the group’s partnered organizations the American Legion Department of Michigan, American Merchant Marine Veterans, and Veterans for All Voters to produce Veterans Speak. Additionally, the students have chosen to advocate for Vietnam War era merchant mariners obtaining veterans status, similar to what World War II era merchant mariners received in 1988.

Since 2022, the Civics Corps operates under the banner of Waging Dialogue, an organization founded by psychiatrist-psychoanalyst Alice Maher, MD and run by executive director Matt Bogaty, that is dedicated to developing tools that advance curiosity, listening, and dialogue skills. After completing a year with the Civics Corps, students may be eligible for internship opportunities through Waging Dialogue. Two Bay College students currently intern with Waging Dialogue, and of the experience Civics Corps alum, Samantha Birch, said, “The Civics Corps and internship not only have helped me grow as a young professional, but have also allowed me to meet and network with people of different ages who have served our country in peace and in war.”

The Civics Corps is particularly relevant for students preparing for careers that work most directly with the public, including criminal justice, business, education, health care, social services, and other people-facing professions. The skills developed through the program, though, can complement students' preparation in any profession.

"This is an exciting example of Michigan's community colleges working together to expand opportunities for students," said Jessica Manier Director of Trio and Accessibility Services at Gogebic Community College, "Our students can gain meaningful experiences, build their professional portfolios, and develop the confidence to have respectful and effective conversations across difference." Of the new partnership, Bay College student Gabriel Viau added, “It’s going to be exciting to welcome students from GCC as we work together to expand the reach of the Civics Corps programming in the UP.”

To learn more, students at Gogebic Community College can contact Ms. Mainer at (906) 307-1271 or jessicam@gogebic.edu, while students at Bay College can reach out to Dr. Klees at (906) 217-4011 or kleesj@baycollege.edu.

About Bay College
Bay College is the community’s college with a mission of: Student Success, Community Success, and Culture of Success. Bay is devoted to each individual’s achievement in the classroom, on-campus, online, in the community and into the workforce by providing career certificates, associate degrees, transferable university credits, industry certifications, trainings, and professional development programs which develop skillsets, enrich individuals, and advance careers. #BayIsTheWay

About Gogebic Community College (GCC)
GCC is committed to empowering students and strengthening communities through affordable high-quality education and training. GCC provides career and technical programs, associate degrees, university transfer opportunities, workforce training, and professional development that prepare individuals for success in the classroom, workplace, and beyond. #BorntoBeBold.