New partnership guarantees direct admission for graduating seniors from Alanson, Pellston, Harbor Light, and Concord Academy

North Central Michigan College (NCMC) has announced that Alanson High School, Pellston High School, Harbor Light Community School, and Concord Academy have joined its Timberwolves Forward initiative, a program guaranteeing direct admission to NCMC for all graduating seniors.

Timberwolves Forward eliminates the traditional admissions application step for seniors at participating Emmet County high schools, ensuring that every graduate has a clear, simplified path to college. By reducing barriers and streamlining the process, NCMC and its partner schools are expanding access to affordable, high-quality higher education in Northern Michigan.

“North Central is proud to partner with these schools to make the transition from high school to college more seamless than ever,” said Katie Navock, NCMC vice president for enrollment management. “Through Timberwolves Forward, students and families can be assured that their next step, continuing their education at a respected local college, is already guaranteed.”

Leaders from each participating school expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, emphasizing how the program strengthens local pathways from high school to college.

For Alanson Public Schools Superintendent and K–12 Principal Rachelle Cook, the partnership represents a major step toward expanding college access for every Viking graduate.

“This partnership is a game-changer, guaranteeing all our graduates a direct, simplified path to North Central Michigan College and making high-quality higher education more accessible than ever before. We are proud to join the Timberwolves Forward initiative to remove admissions barriers and ensure every senior has a clear, confident next step toward their future success,” Cook said.

Kelly Dutcher, Harbor Light Community School superintendent and head administrator, noted that the program builds on an already strong connection between the school and North Central.

“Over 75% of our students are already dual enrolled with North Central, making this partnership a perfect fit,” Dutcher said. “We are thankful to NCMC for making the transition to college even easier for our students through Timberwolves Forward, and we value North Central’s commitment to local schools and students.”

A letter of introduction and explanation of benefits will be sent to eligible seniors in October. Students interested in enrolling at North Central may contact the Admissions Office at 231-348-6845 or via email at admissions@ncmich.edu.

The Timberwolves Forward program is offered at no cost to students or schools. Participation does not obligate students to enroll, but all graduating seniors from Alanson High School, Pellston High School, Harbor Light Community School, and Concord Academy will automatically be included.

The program reflects North Central’s mission of providing exceptional, accessible, and relevant higher education to the benefit of all. In addition to guaranteed admission, students benefit from low tuition, flexible transfer options to Michigan’s top universities, and hands-on programs that prepare them for in-demand careers across the region.

Additional high schools are expected to join the Timberwolves Forward partnership in the coming year, extending guaranteed access to more Northern Michigan students.