Career Connect
A New Vision for Education
KRESA Career Connect is a continuum of career education programs that empowers the next generation of learners to explore career pathways and develop real-world skills. Whether you are interested in arts, automotive, technology, health, business, or anything in between, Career Connect has something for you.
Career Connect offers a variety of classroom-based and out-of-school programs that are designed to complement academic preparation and help young people achieve their career goals. Learners can start their career exploration journey as early as kindergarten and continue until they graduate from high school and into young adulthood.
Our Vision – a community transformed by empowered learners building fulfilling careers – is rooted in:
- Providing opportunities for all students to engage in career awareness and exploration throughout their K-12 career.
- Career-focused programming that serves as a complement to, not a departure from, strong academic preparation.
- Intentional, specific supports developed to ensure equitable access to programs for all students.
- A system that diminishes barriers to participation including transportation, site-based obstacles, academic readiness, and obstacles to post-secondary enrollment.
- A system that is flexible to changing economic and education needs, and harnesses the support of local education, business, and community leaders.
- The 21st Century skills of communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and problem solving.
- Our business/education partnerships, which will ensure students are offered the opportunity to earn industry-specific technical skills and earn employer-recognized credentials.
Community Tours
Community members and organizations interested in a tour of the new Career Connect Campus can sign up for an upcoming tour. These tours provide community members an opportunity to see the newly-opened Career Connect Campus firsthand! Please click on the link below and select the best date/time that works for you. We look forward to seeing you soon.
Sign Up for Career Connect Community Tours
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Career Connect’s programs:
2Gen is a paid 7-week summer career exploration program for families.
Hands-on career preparation courses that develop professional skills and offer industry experience.
Programs, tools, and experiences that help students learn about themselves and potential career pathways.
The Career Champions program supports project teams of educators within and across districts, with each team facilitated by a KRESA Career Development Consultant (CDC).
Career coaching for youth ages 14–24 to explore careers, plan education, and make informed, real‑world decisions.
CareerNOW is a paid eight-week program designed for entry level opportunities in the high demand industries of healthcare and skilled trades.
Dual-enrollment with KVCC to simultaneously complete a high school diploma and an associate’s degree.
Arts exploration for students of all ages, with hands-on arts classes at the high school level.
Providing pathways for students to reengage and/or complete their educational goals through personalized support.
A seasonal, paid, career pathway planning program, including career readiness training and internship experiences for eligible participants.
Students gain real world experience and career skills through a partnership with an employer.
How to apply
Kalamazoo RESA’s Career Connect’s programs offer high school classes that complement students’ regular academics, empowering them to explore career pathways and develop real-world, employable skills. These programs are open to all high school students in Kalamazoo County through their local districts.
Career Connect News & Updates
![Group of people in a room, some seated at a table playing cards, others standing and talking.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1774036128/kresaorg/frysppwvxpei0rcygzpu/IMG_0433.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1774036128/kresaorg/frysppwvxpei0rcygzpu/IMG_0433.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1774036128/kresaorg/frysppwvxpei0rcygzpu/IMG_0433.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1774036128/kresaorg/frysppwvxpei0rcygzpu/IMG_0433.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1774036128/kresaorg/frysppwvxpei0rcygzpu/IMG_0433.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1774036128/kresaorg/frysppwvxpei0rcygzpu/IMG_0433.jpg","width":2200}])
The Early/Middle College (EMC) club had its first-ever meeting at Kalamazoo Valley Community College!
Made up of students in EMC programs through Kalamazoo RESA, Gull Lake Community Schools, and Van Buren Technology Center, the club allows students to collaborate monthly and build a community that understands the unique journey of earning a degree while still in high school.
![Four students in formal wear stand in front of a blue curtain.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1773419366/kresaorg/vfofxb7vmnwycrqbptor/IMG_9239.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1773419366/kresaorg/vfofxb7vmnwycrqbptor/IMG_9239.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1773419366/kresaorg/vfofxb7vmnwycrqbptor/IMG_9239.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1773419366/kresaorg/vfofxb7vmnwycrqbptor/IMG_9239.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1773419366/kresaorg/vfofxb7vmnwycrqbptor/IMG_9239.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1773419366/kresaorg/vfofxb7vmnwycrqbptor/IMG_9239.jpg","width":2200}])
Congratulations to our talented Career and Technical Education (CTE) Veterinary Science students for their outstanding performance at the Michigan Future Farmers of America (FFA) State Convention at Michigan State University! Four of our seniors represented Kalamazoo RESA Career Connect with impressive semester-long research projects, earning them an invitation to compete at the state level.
![A large group of people gather for a group photo inside of a classroom.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1773330631/kresaorg/ebdfmvcdbwce71ydjiwt/IMG_9693.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1773330631/kresaorg/ebdfmvcdbwce71ydjiwt/IMG_9693.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1773330631/kresaorg/ebdfmvcdbwce71ydjiwt/IMG_9693.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1773330631/kresaorg/ebdfmvcdbwce71ydjiwt/IMG_9693.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1773330631/kresaorg/ebdfmvcdbwce71ydjiwt/IMG_9693.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1773330631/kresaorg/ebdfmvcdbwce71ydjiwt/IMG_9693.jpg","width":2200}])
Lori Lee is a powerhouse of resilience and expertise. As the Career & Technical Education (CTE) Rehabilitation Therapy teacher for Kalamazoo RESA Career Connect, Lori has been named the Career Connect Superstar for January 2026.
Upcoming Events
Career Connect
Career Connect Campus Community Tour
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Career Connect Campus
Career Connect
Career Connect Campus Community Tour
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Career Connect Campus
Contact Career Connect
Contact Career Connect at (269) 443-7500 or email cteinquiries@kresa.org with any questions.