FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MOSPA Program Award for 2025-2026 Received by Bay Mills Community College Early Childhood Education Program
Brimley, MI – Bay Mills Community College (BMCC) is proud to announce that its Early Childhood Education Program has been selected as the recipient of the Michigan Occupational Special Populations Association (MOSPA) Program Award for the 2025-2026 academic year. The award recognizes the program’s outstanding commitment to serving career and technical students with special needs, particularly through its innovative HOPE (Honoring Our People through Education) initiative.
Since 1999, BMCC - a tribally controlled community college located in Michigan’s Eastern Upper Peninsula - has delivered high-quality, fully online early childhood education pathways. Students can pursue a Certificate of Completion, Associate of Arts, or Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education from anywhere in the country.
The Early Childhood Education Program is BMCC’s highest-enrolled program. In Spring 2026, 282 students were active in the program across CDA, AA, and BA levels and 96 credentials were awarded.
The HOPE program, initially funded through ACF/OHS, has exceeded all enrollment, persistence, and academic success expectations. BMCC currently partners with tribal nations and organizations expressing urgent needs for qualified early childhood personnel, including the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, Hannahville Potawatomi Indian Community, Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, Seneca Nation of Indians, and Aleutian Pribilof Islands in Alaska.
The ECE program boasts an 84% retention rate for full- and part-time students, surpassing BMCC’s overall college retention rate of 76%, thanks to appreciative advising, mentoring, tutoring, and individualized student success plans.
“Our HOPE initiative from the Early Childhood Education program has exceeded expectations in enrollment, persistence, and academic achievement,” said Dr. Sheryl Hammock, Dean of Occupational Education at BMCC. “Winning the MOSPA Program Award is an incredible honor and reflects the dedication of our students, faculty, and the strength of our partnerships with tribal communities who rely on us to prepare students for the next generation of early childhood educators.”
Heather Stelzer, Early Childhood Education Faculty & Department Chair at BMCC, added: “Our team takes immense pride in the intentional care and dedication we bring to supporting our ECE students. Every effort we make is rooted in a shared commitment to meeting their unique needs, empowering their growth, and helping each learner build a strong foundation for lasting success. This award validates that work.”
MOSPA, founded in 1975, works to improve opportunities for career and technical students with special needs, support Perkins legislation implementation, and enhance professional development for educators serving special populations.
Media Contact:
Heather Stelzer
Early Childhood Education Faculty & Department Chair
Bay Mills Community College
[email protected]
Media Contact:
Chelsey Cameron
Media & Marketing Specialist
Bay Mills Community College
[email protected]