Harnessing the Power of our Freshwater Assets
The Grand Traverse region is well positioned to be the global epicenter for freshwater research, industry, and innovation. The Great Lakes Water Studies Institute at Northwestern Michigan College – offering the country’s first-ever associate degree in Freshwater Studies and the first-in-Michigan community college bachelor’s degree in Marine Technology – has earned a reputation for producing highly skilled graduates and leading cutting-edge freshwater research and learning. Our region offers an unparalleled 234 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline and 10,418 acres of lakes, making the area unlike any other in the world. Our region is looking forward to a bright future amidst a surge of blue innovation and freshwater advancements by pairing our geography with our burgeoning freshwater business economy.
