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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.  

Historically, over 4,000 eighth graders from Kalamazoo and Calhoun counties converge annually at MCQSW, the largest interactive career exploration event in the region. Scheduled for Oct. 24 and 25, during school hours, MCQSW is a school field trip that gives students the opportunity to participate in hands-on career exploration activities and engage with professionals from local businesses to learn about high-growth, high-demand careers. 

This year, Kalamazoo RESA Career Connect is offering an exciting new opportunity to extend this MCQSW event beyond school hours and invite the public to attend. For the first time, all young people and their families or other accompanying adults can share in the MCQSW experience.  

At MCQSW Family Night, all attendees will have the opportunity to interact with equipment, tools, and state-of-the-art technology used by professionals in a broad range of in-demand jobs. The event is also an opportunity to network with professionals and participate in activities that highlight the many career opportunities in high-growth industries available in Southwest Michigan. Free family swag bags will be given to the first 100 families who pre-register at kresa.tfaforms.net/122.  

 

 MCQSW Family Night Details: Family Night

  • DATE: Tuesday, October 24 
  • TIME: 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. 
  • LOCATION: Kalamazoo County Expo Center, 2900 Lake St. Kalamazoo, MI 49048 

 

What to Expect:  

  • Learn about careers from local employers 
  • Discover tools and resources to support career conversations at home 
  • Experience the community debut of the Kalamazoo Career Connect Discovery Lab 
  • Enjoy giveaways and family fun 
  • Event open to the public 
  • Venue is handicap accessible  
  • Spanish, French, Arabic and ASL interpreters available at the event 

For questions, please contact MCQSWFamilynight@kresa.org 

 

MiCareerQuest Southwest is brought to you by Kalamazoo RESA Career Connect, Calhoun Area Career Center, Michigan Works! Southwest and Southwest Michigan First.  

 

Platinum Sponsors:  

  • Bradford White 
  • MichiganWorks! Southwest 
  • Southwest Michigan First 
  • Stryker 

 

Gold Sponsors: 

  • Humphrey Products 
  • Kaiser Aluminum Fabricated Products 
  • Kalamazoo Valley Community College 
  • Operating Engineers 324 

 

Silver Sponsors: 

  • Bronson Hospital 
  • CSM Group 
  • FEMA 
  • Lounsbury Excavating 
  • Roofers Union Local 79 
  • Wenke Greenhouses 

 

Bronze Sponsors:  

  • C2DX 
  • Pfizer