EFE Honored as 2018 Catalyst University's School of the Year
Kalamazoo RESA’s Education for Employment (EFE) was honored with the 2018 Catalyst University’s School of the Year award on Thursday, January 25th.
A high-energy and daylong leadership event hosted by the regional economic development organization, Southwest Michigan First, Catalyst University celebrates the successes throughout southwest Michigan in preparing young people to thrive in education and employment.
“Everyone can point to a single life-changing moment in their past that set them on their current path. And for many, this occurred in a classroom. We would like to celebrate the fact that across the region, these moments happen in our schools every day,” said Ron Kitchens, chief executive officer and senior partner at Southwest Michigan First.
With more than 3,500 students from Kalamazoo County enrolled in 181 EFE courses from 38 areas of study, EFE strives to give students opportunities to help students connect what they learn in their classrooms to potential careers for their futures.
“EFE is specifically focused on helping kids find their passion through exploring multiple intelligences. Sometimes, traditional education doesn’t always draw that talent out with the usual English, Math, Science, and Social Studies classes. I think there is a misconception that career and tech-ed are separate from post-secondary education. It should be both. We need to open those opportunities to the next generation,” said EFE Administrator Jason Luke.
In addition to recognizing the EFE program, Catalyst University also honored Mike Barwegen of Tobey Elementary School in Vicksburg as Principal of the Year, and Amy Cummings from Dowagiac Middle School as Teacher of the Year.
Kalamazoo RESA and Education for Employment are deeply honored by this esteemed recognition and will continue to work hard to bring our students opportunities to help them become future ready.