Southwest Michigan : Features

Imagine being a high school student, but instead of the traditional math or science courses, you’re acquiring skills such as building solar panels, installing wind powered systems and designing electric cars to race at Michigan International Speedway. These tasks (and more) are a reality for students in the Mecosta-Osceola Career Center Innovative Engineering program.

With College Board putting the average cost of college to $8,893 per year for in-state students attending a four-year public college, it certainly does not hurt for kids to have their career options narrowed down when looking to the next chapter in their education. Van Buren Technology Center in Lawrence, Michigan is helping to do just that; exposing current high school students to a diverse range of career fields, hoping to make a transition to college or a career more efficient.  

A roomful of art students had a problem to solve: How to design a shoe for a working woman that would be stable, stylish and not too expensive.

Buchanan Community Schools is located in a rural area in Southwest Berrien County and comprises approximately 1,600 students. We are known as the Buchanan Bucks, and Bucktown Pride is a common mantra, whether you are in the schools or out in the community. Buchanan has always been a small, hometown community where generations of families have grown up, and Buchanan Community Schools have always been the center of activity.