KRESA Career Connect Announces the Launch of Mobile Discovery Lab with the Support of Pfizer and Stryker

Kalamazoo RESA (KRESA)’s Career Connect program, in partnership with local industry leaders Pfizer and Stryker, proudly announces the unveiling of its groundbreaking mobile Discovery Lab.

KRESA Career Connect to Host County-Wide Career Exploration Family Night

Kalamazoo RESA (KRESA)’s Career Connect program will host MiCareerQuest Southwest (MCQSW), an immersive career exploration event for students, along with the first accompanying Family Night, at the Kalamazoo Expo Center on Oct. 24, 2023, from 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Kalamazoo RESA’s CTE Counselor Sarah Mullard-Dickman Named Michigan’s 2023 School Counselor of the Year

Recently, Kalamazoo RESA’s (KRESA) Career & Technical Education (CTE) Counselor Sarah Mullard-Dickman was presented with the 2023 State School Counselor of the Year Award for the State of Michigan, along with other honored school counselors representing their individual states across the country.

KRESA CTE Woodworking Students Produce Governor's Podium Seal for Inauguration

Students enrolled in KRESA’s Career & Technical Education (CTE) Engineering in Wood Technology class at Portage Northern High School recently manufactured the seal to be used on Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s podium for the inauguration on January 1, 2023.

KRESA Work-Based Learning Coordinator Scott Wills Receives 2022 MCPA Honoree of the Year Award

Work-based Learning Coordinator Scott Wills was recently awarded the 2022 MCPA Honoree of the Year Award at the Michigan Career Placement Association state conference after being nominated by peers for this outstanding award and recognition.

KRESA Breaks Ground On World-Class Career Center

The new, centrally located facility will house career and technical education programs and is slated to open in the fall of 2024.

High School Students in KRESA's Early/Middle College Program Kick Off 8th Year of Program at KVCC

Over 350 juniors and seniors attended Early/Middle College preparation events including campus tours, receiving student I.D. cards, and meeting their mentors.

Three Recent High School Graduates Step Straight Into Chosen Career Paths

Career and Technical Education (CTE) Construction Trades classes and Work-Based Learning internship opportunities help catapult students into career fields.

CTE Barbering Student Opens Own Barbershop

Kalamazoo RESA CTE Barbering program sets former student up for success.

Kalamazoo RESA Honors Outstanding Seniors in Its High School Programs

Kalamazoo RESA honors 76 Kalamazoo County high school seniors at the 36th annual Outstanding Senior Awards Breakfast at the Radisson Plaza Hotel

Stryker Recognized as KRESA’s Outstanding Business & Industry Partner of the Year

Every year, Kalamazoo RESA selects a business and industry champion that has gone above and beyond as a partner to invest in student success.

Theatre Performances Shine Spotlight on Cultural Diversity, Racism and Civil Rights Movement

KRESA’s EFA department-hosted field trips help students learn about Haitian culture, racial injustice, and important historical figures in the Civil Rights Movement

CTE Health Science Teachers Receive Outstanding Program Excellence Award

The award honors programs that demonstrate outstanding outcomes in employment and/or post-secondary education 

Donation of Land and $100M Advances CTE Career Center

A new career technical education center is coming to the Kalamazoo area thanks to a $100 million gift and a donated plot of land.

Students Compete in Friendly Competition with Career Chat Challenge

Steering Committee Finalizes CTE Course Selection

Last week, the CTE Steering Committee convened to finalize its recommendation to the KRESA Board of Education of which CTE courses to include in the County's redesigned system. Course recommendations take effect in fall of 2024, which aligns with the planned opening of the CTE Center.

Introducing KRESA's Career Center Principal

We are excited to announce that Isaac Carter has been tapped to helm the new Career & Technical Education (CTE) Career Center as its principal. Carter, a Chicago Public Schools veteran, will be at the heart of the county's CTE system redesign.

Newly Formed CTE Steering Committee Convenes for First Meeting

The steering committee will integrate perspectives from education, community and business to help ensure that our county's redesigned CTE program and future CTE Center will provide meaningful, equitable opportunities for young people to see what they can be and develop their skills, all while supporting a thriving, more equitable region.

Student Entrepreneurs Set Up Shop for 'Lemonade Day' Project

This summer, KRESA is coordinating the “Lemonade Day” program for Kalamazoo Public Schools' Summer Readiness and Galesburg Augusta and Parchment Active Academy. Students will be setting up their own lemonade stands and selling their products to the community. Lemonade Day prepares kids become the business leaders, social advocates, community volunteers and forward-thinking citizens of tomorrow!

Public-Private Partnership Advances CTE System Redesign

KRESA and Southwest Michigan First’s public-private partnership, formed ahead of the 2019 CTE millage campaign, remains strong as the two agencies are united in the goal of redesigning Kalamazoo County’s CTE system.