As a young high school student, deciding on a career or preparing for college may seem far off. But for some students, it makes for the perfect opportunity to explore various fields, industries and post-graduation opportunities -- all before tossing their graduation caps.
Michigan is home to several career and college prep programs across the state, with topics ranging from learning how to perfect a delicious dish, to mastering engineering and mathematics. With an abundance of opportunities, it’s best to learn about Michigan’s career and college prep opportunities straight from the source -- the teachers, instructors, principals and directors, who all make it possible.
Filling STEM job demand while gaining college credit
There’s a growing need for science, technology, mathematics and engineering (STEM) workers across the state, and Oxford School Academy of Engineering and Technology is doing its part to prepare the next generation of job seekers.
“Students start with classes on the design process, leading to more advanced classes on computer integrated manufacturing, robotics and principles of engineering,” said Dave Okasinski, engineering instructor.
Hands on experience and partnerships with area universities help students learn beyond basic post-graduation jobs, focusing on the importance of a college degree.
“We are currently in a partnership with Oakland University. The OU College of Engineering has allowed us to partner with them to offer classes on location at Oxford High School, while obtaining college credits. The students get a feel for college expectations, timelines, advanced curriculum and how to juggle multiple projects simultaneously,” said Phil Kimmel, engineering instructor.
The program has continuously proved it success. It has pushed and inspired students to pursue engineering and education options after high school.
“Over 80 percent of our alumni from the robotics program have gone on to study at a post-secondary school in a STEM-related field. Many students also take advantage of co-op experiences, both before and after high school graduation. Students and employers state that Oxford High School students are prepared for work at engineering firms because they understand what it means to perform complex tasks in a short amount of time,” said Kimmel.
Additional STEM opportunities provide hands-on experience
Oxford Academy collaborates with Project Lead the Way (PLTW), a nonprofit organization that delivers STEM programs to more than 6,500 elementary, middle and high schools in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
“PLTW offers five programs that create K-12 pathways for students in the areas of engineering, biomedical science and computer science, including PLTW Launch for grades K-5, PLTW Gateway for middle school students and three programs at the high school level: PLTW Engineering, PLTW Biomedical Science and PLTW Computer Science,” said Amy Rauch, PLTW director of school engagement, Midwest region.
Students who participate in PLTW programs can expect an engaging and hands-on environment, by learning to apply math and science concepts to real-world problems and scenarios--resulting in higher STEM aptitude and increased post-secondary education attainment.
“A study from Texas State University shows that PLTW students are more prepared for and attend higher education institutions at a higher rate than their non-PLTW peers. A study out of Indiana University and Purdue University-Indianapolis found that students who participated in PLTW were three times more likely to go to college, three to four times more likely to study engineering and more likely to persist into their second year of college than non-PLTW graduates,” said Rauch.
Learning in front of the screen and behind the scenes
Math and science are not the only career exploration options offered throughout the state, students at L’Anse Creuse High School and L’Anse Creuse North in Harrison Township have the opportunity to tap into the TV broadcasting and media fields.
The program is designed to prepare students for careers in the television production field and to develop essential skills for employment. Training includes field productions and studio exercises.
“In field productions, students learn to use various camera formats, utilize lighting, properly compose shots and handle multiple microphone types. In the studio, students work with studio cameras, produce event tapings, operate an audio mixer, technically direct a show with a video switcher and learn a variety of shot selections in a real world work situation. The course emphasizes a hands-on approach to skill development with individual and group projects,” said Michael Kaufman, TV and broadcast media program instructor.
Several of Kaufman’s students go on to attend Specs Howard, a media arts school in Southfield. Many students have even pursued impressive TV and media careers.
“I have a lot of students working around the globe that started in one of my classes. This is just a sampling of students that I've taught over the years. Catie Wilk is a senior producer at CNN. Chelsea Briggs has over one million subscribers to her HollyWire YouTube channel. George Mikla is a technical director for in-house video operations at Comerica Park. And Austin Drake is a graphics coordinator at FOX Sports Detroit,” said Kaufman.
Bon appetite!
The Capital Area Career Center in Lansing offers a program that specializes in culinary arts and management, with the opportunity to compete in statewide invitationals and for scholarships. The program follows an industry-driven curriculum that launches students into restaurant and foodservice careers.
“Students can take the program for one or two years, learning the skills needed to operate a kitchen, manage employees and to cater large parties. If students return for a second year, they have the opportunity to work in our in house catering operations,” said
Chef Corbett Day, instructor.
Students often go on to work in the food industry, or pursue post-secondary education at a culinary arts or culinary management school. Regardless, graduates of the CACC culinary program leave with the skills need to delve into the food industry while gaining valuable, hands-on experience.
Getting ahead of the game -- early college program
Often at the high school level, students aren’t prepared to make the commitment to an industry-specific program. In that circumstance, early college programs such as the Shiawassee dual enrollment program is an option to get a jump on a college education.
“Shiawassee County is mainly a rural area between the Lansing and Flint regions. Shiawassee County has one of the highest high school graduation rates in the state, but among the lowest number of graduates with college degrees,” said John VanWagoner, associate superintendent for the Shiawassee Regional Education Service District.
However, the Shiawassee dual enrollment program is doing its part to increase college enrollment rates. High school students have the opportunity to participate in up to 60 credits of college classes, a technical or an associate’s degree at no cost. Students can integrate the program with Lansing Community College (LCC) or Baker College of Owosso.
“With LCC, we have created a unique hybrid program that is a blended learning arrangement including online classes and three face-to-face sessions on Saturdays throughout the semester. Included in the Saturday sessions at our RESD office, students are introduced to the skills necessary and support available to help them be successful in college. The tuition, books and other materials are funded by the SRESD at no cost to the student or families,” said VanWagoner.
Setting goals for the students participating in the dual enrollment program is key to its future successes.
“Our goal was to have our participating seniors have at least 12 credits at the end of their senior year. We have at least 10 students who will have 24+ credits as they go on to LCC, Central Michigan and Michigan State University,” VanWagoner added.
It's never to early to start exploring
Michigan is home to several college and career prep opportunities with the common value of preparing students with more than just an education, but with the tools needed to build a successful career -- it's never to early to start building a career.