Marshall County Career Innovation Center named 2024 National Rural New Market Tax Credit Deal of the Year

The Marshall County Career Innovation Center (MCCIC) has been named the 2024 National Rural New Market Tax Credit Deal of the Year by the Novogradac Journal of Tax Credits, a leading national publication focused on community finance.

MCCIC is a new career center located on the Plymouth Community School Corporation’s campus, serving 10 rural school districts.  Through the North Central Career and Technical Education (CTE) Cooperative, MCCIC offers students opportunities to explore career pathways by providing hands-on learning, post-secondary credits, industry certifications, and work-based learning experiences.

“We are excited to receive this award and the recognition that it brings,” stated Allison Shook, Executive Director of the Marshall County Lifelong Learning Network, the project sponsor.  “It is a testament to the visionary leadership of our community and the unmatched dedication of our schools and educators.”

The $10.7 million renovation and construction project will result in the addition of new classrooms, an automotive training center, a greenhouse, and a 28-seat childcare center. When fully operational, the two-year courses for grades 11-12 will train up to 424 students annually, of whom 60% are expected to come from low-income backgrounds.  Those students will graduate from high school with academic, technical, and employability skills for future careers. The adult education program is expected to train at least 27 adults annually and provide the necessary training to break down traditional barriers to quality employment. The program is expected to result in job, education, or military placements of over 95%.

The project received new market tax credit financing from Fort Wayne New Markets Revitalization Fund, LLC, Cinnaire New Markets LLC, and US Bancorp Impact Finance.  The project also received funding from the Northern Indiana Regional Development Authority, Indiana’s Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI), Marshall County government, the City of Plymouth, 1st Source Bank, the Neidig Family, and the Lilly Endowment Inc. GIFT VIII funding through the Marshall County Community Foundation Inc.’s match funding program.

“We are grateful to all of the catalytic funders who came together to make this project possible,” stated Linda Yoder, Executive Director of the Marshall County Community Foundation, Inc. “This project will reach and empower thousands of students who previously did not have access to these opportunities.”

The project is currently under construction and is expected to be completed later this fall.

About Marshall County Career and Innovation Center (MCCIC)

MCCIC is a premier career and technical education facility that provides youth and adults lifelong learning opportunities for satisfaction and success in their careers and beyond.  MCCIC partners with educators, industry leaders, and the community to empower all their citizens to thrive in Marshall County. To learn more about the center, please visit www.mccic.org.