Bay Mills Community College has been awarded a $1,176,376 federal grant aimed at expanding its nationally recognized HOPE program.
Bay Mills Community College Awarded Million Dollar “Tribal Colleges and Universities Head Start Partnership Program” Grant to Expand Early Childhood Educator Support Nationwide Photo caption: BMCC Early Childhood Education/HOPE students presenting and participating at the annual TCU and OHS Partnership Convening in Washington D.C. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE BRIMLEY, MI – October 10, 2025.
Bay Mills Community College announced today it has been awarded $1,176,376 grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families (ACF) for year one of a five-year grant.
The award, under the Head Start Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCU) Partnership Grant, will dramatically expand BMCC’s capacity to support teachers and staff at Tribal Head Start programs across the country in earning their required early childhood education credentials. The grant project, known as the HOPE program, is designed to remove barriers to higher education for Tribal Head Start employees by providing comprehensive support, including free tuition, a textbook lending library, laptops, specialized advising, tutoring, and financial incentives.
“This award is a testament to the dedication and excellent of our team at Bay Mills Community College,” said Dr. Duane Bedell, President of Bay Mills Community College. “Their tireless work and commitment to supporting Tribal Head Start professionals have made this achievement possible. We are deeply grateful for our partners across the country who are doing incredible work in their communities by empowering early childhood educators, strengthening families, and preserving cultural heritage. Together, we are building a brighter future for the next seven generations.”
The new funding, designated as “Round 3,” will allow BMCC to build upon the strong foundation established with previous grants. The college will form new partnerships with Tribal Head Start programs from coast to coast, with budding partnerships in South Carolina, Minnesota, Alaska, Washington, and Oklahoma. Currently, Round 2 partners include: Mississippi Choctaw, Inter-Tribal Council, Sault Tribe, Seneca Nation, Aleutian, Chugachmuit, and Cook-Inlet Native Head Start.
“This opportunity is truly transformative for those seeking to advance in their careers,” said Heather Stelzer, Chair of the Early Childhood Education Department at BMCC. “With this funding, we are proud to support early childhood professionals as they pursue higher education with a growth mindset, demonstrate perseverance in reaching their goals, and exemplify resilience to their peers and families.”
The success of the initiative is credited to the BMCC team that developed the grant proposal, led by grant writer Kathy Adair, with crucial input from Sheryl Hammock, Dean of Occupational Education, Heather Stelzer, ECE Department Chair, and Kris Nance, HOPE Coordinator, who ensured the proposal met the specific needs of Tribal Head Start professionals.
“BMCC Early Childhood Education graduates are committed to protecting the future of our young children and the next seven generations,” said Dr. Sheryl Hammock, BMCC Dean of Occupational Education. “They take pride in giving back to their communities and tribe, honoring their heritage while leading with knowledge, compassion, and purpose.”
The grant will also support the hiring of additional BMCC Early Childhood team members to manage the anticipated growth. The program currently serves approximately 300 students per semester, a number expected to increase significantly.
Past participants of the HOPE program have shared powerful testimonials about its impact:
- Carla Bobo – Mississippi Choctaw: “I have been able to seek more education in Early Childhood through the HOPE opportunity. My education has been affordable through this program, and I can spend more time with my children while seeking my BA degree in Early Childhood Education.”
- CeAnna Maybee – Seneca Nation: “The BMCC HOPE program has helped me gain confidence and pursue my education affordably. They provided books and offered support whenever I needed it. I’m now working towards my bachelor’s degree and look forward to using my knowledge to help my community.”
- Jennifer King – Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians: “The HOPE grant has supported my educational journey by encouraging my employer to further [support] my education and providing financial assistance for my college tuition. It also offers academic support through college advisors, textbooks, and tutoring, which has been invaluable as I work towards my BA in Early Childhood Education.”
The period of performance for the grant runs from Sept. 30, 2025, to Sept. 29, 2030.
