This summer marks a milestone in Delta College’s history, as well as a significant moment in the long history of Saginaw as the new Delta College Downtown Saginaw Center opens in the city’s urban core.

Why downtown? Thousands of people who have not taken classes past high school live nearby. And it offers easy access via I-675 for everyone in Saginaw County and beyond. More than 40 percent of Delta’s students live in Saginaw County.

Saginaw’s Storied Past

The Delta College Downtown Saginaw Center is located at 319 East Genesee on a block with a tradition of busy commerce. It housed the Bliss Alger College, Paris Café, Amazon Sweets as well as a dry goods and furnishings store and shoe repair shop. The famous Goodridge Brothers photographs capture images of the area going back to the 1870s during the lumbering era.

Delta is also part of Saginaw’s fabric. The College has educated students in the community for decades in area high schools and community centers. The most prominent were the First Ward Community Center, International Center and Ricker Center.

“When I first came to Delta in 2005, I learned of the College’s desire to build our own Saginaw County facility,” said Dr. Jean Goodnow, President of Delta College. “Since 1988, the College has leased the Ricker Elementary School, located in Buena Vista. I spent a great deal of time with the late R. Earl Selby, who served as a Delta Trustee from Saginaw County. He was really a driving force behind this initiative and we both shared a vision for serving the Saginaw community.

“Earl will be missed at our upcoming ribbon cutting,” Goodnow added. “But I’m glad he was able to see his dream begin when he attended the ground breaking last year.” Selby passed away in November 2018.

Staff Caring and Attention

Full-time staff at the Center will build personal relationships and trust with local students and their parents. They will help students navigate how to apply to college, receive financial aid or choose a major.

A key person on site will be Dr. Elsa Olvera, Director of Delta’s Educational Opportunity Center (EOC). She said having a community college downtown is a positive sign to the community.

“We offer a smaller setting for students to get on track with their education,” Dr. Olvera said. “Our team will offer plenty of care and advising to potential students. I’m excited about the impact we will have through our connections in the community.”

Delta’s EOC will provide educational planning and counseling through a centralized hub of support for eligible individuals. Services include career exploration, financial aid help and college preparation workshops.

Programs Offered

The Delta College Downtown Saginaw Center will serve students of all ages. There will be introductory courses leading to a certificate or an associate’s degree, along with pathways to other courses on Delta’s main campus. Classes will also be open to high school students who want to take college classes while still pursuing their diploma.

Among the certificate programs offered will be Clinical Medical Assistant, Health Foundations, Office Professions and Youth Services.

Building Essentials

Delta’s three-story building features floor-to-ceiling views of downtown and offers plenty of natural light. The second-floor Learning Commons invites students to remain in the building between classes to continue their studies or seek assistance in the adjacent testing and tutoring area.

There is a technology classroom, eight regular classrooms, a science lab, open computer lab and a flexible laboratory space. Beautiful landscaping will offer an oasis in the city while highlighting the urban street experience many young adults value.

Your City, Your College

Delta College has a finger on the community’s pulse because it is part of the community. And, with thousands of graduates, it’s a fact many local residents are Delta College graduates.

“Higher education should be as convenient as possible, which is why we are coming to downtown Saginaw,” said Dr. Goodnow. “From our three downtown centers to our main campus, our entire staff is committed to providing everyone with the education they deserve on their life’s journey.”