Washtenaw Community College

Washtenaw Community College stands as a vibrant educational hub in Michigan, serving a diverse student body of 20,000. As a public community college, WCC is renowned for providing accessible, high-quality education and career training, acting as a crucial stepping stone for students seeking to launch new careers, gain professional certifications, or transfer to four-year universities. It embodies the spirit of community, fostering an environment where learning and personal growth thrive.

The college's history is as unique as it is inspiring, beginning with its founding in 1965 and welcoming its first 1,200 students in September 1966. What makes its origin story particularly engaging is that these inaugural classes weren't held in a traditional campus building, but rather across various unconventional sites throughout Washtenaw County—from an elementary school and a dairy farm to a church basement, a former fire station, and even the iconic Willow Run bomber plant. This innovative approach allowed WCC to begin serving its community immediately, laying the groundwork for its future success.

The vision for a central campus quickly materialized. In December 1965, the college acquired an apple orchard, and by the summer of 1967, construction was underway. Just a few years later, in September 1970, WCC moved all operations to its dedicated campus on Huron River Drive, transforming an agricultural landscape into a dynamic learning environment. Under the leadership of presidents like the current Rose B. Bellanca, WCC continues its mission to provide relevant academic programs and hands-on experiences that prepare students for the demands of today's workforce and advanced studies.