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Bridging the Talent Gap

To maintain a thriving economy, students need to be prepared for high-demand, well-paying jobs, yet there are currently more jobs than skilled workers to fill them. This series looks at how schools are preparing students for the future workforce.

Growing the next generation of educators

Kent ISD Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

By clearing a pathway to the field of education, the Teacher Academy has seen a growing interest among students...

Hands-on trades training before graduation

Bridging the Talent Gap Alexis Stark

Crossroads Alternative High School students learn trade skills before graduation in welding and construction at Grand Rapids Community College’s Leslie E. Tassell M-TEC program...

A dose of reality

Cedar Springs Jane Lally

Middle school students learn about finances and budgeting in Reality Store class activities...

Ready for prime time

Grand Rapids Erin Albanese

Innovation Central students are receiving more tools, equipment and opportunities as an SME PRIME School...

Discovering the ‘why’ of career exploration

Northview Morgan Jarema

Grow MainStreet is helping the district — and middle-school students — connect many of the dots between today’s learning and career awareness...

New initiative aims to connect students with careers & schools with employers

Kent ISD Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

Kent ISD expands career exploration and work-based opportunities through its new Career and Talent Development initiative...

Kent Career Tech Center and Kent Transition Center to merge

Kent ISD Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

The Kent Career Tech Center and Kent Transition Center merger, planned for the 2023-24 school year, is aimed at giving students more opportunities for career exploration...