Kalamazoo County middle and high school students and their families are invited to discover free educational opportunities available to them at the interactive KRESA Future Ready Virtual Open House on Tuesday, Jan. 26, 5-8 p.m.
This year, explore innovative Career & Technical Education (CTE), high-quality Education for the Arts (EFA) and rigorous Early/Middle College (EMC) programming from the comfort of your home, office or anywhere else.
The virtual open house will begin with presentations and interactive Q&A sessions hosted by program administrators. Then, explore more than 50 programs; chat with staff, teachers, as well as current and former students to discover which of our engaging programs is the best fit for you.
- Career & Technical Education (CTE) | Innovative and hands-on career training prepares students for the well-paying, high-demand jobs of the future
- Education for the Arts (EFA) | Arts-intensive courses in theater, music, dance, as well as the visual, media and literary arts
- Early/Middle College (EMC) | Earn a two-year degree or certificate while dually enrolled at Kalamazoo Valley Community College with an extra year of high school
“Now more than ever, students are eager to participate in courses that are hands-on and engaging while still relevant to their interests and strengths. The good news for students and families in Kalamazoo County is we have courses that do just that,” said Cameron Buck, KRESA Career & Technical Education director. “Our CTE, EFA and EMC courses combine academic, technical, and employability skills to better prepare students for career success. We are thrilled to provide our annual open house virtually this year, so students and their families can explore these exciting opportunities.”
We know that participation in CTE, EFA and EMC programming equips students with the skills they need to be successful in the workforce. By developing 21st Century skills, increasing opportunities to earn post-secondary degrees or certificates and industry-recognized credentials, and providing meaningful on-the-job training – we can help more students graduate from high school on the pathway to career success.
The KRESA Future Ready Virtual Open House will be recorded and available online for three months following the event. For anyone with additional questions about our innovative programming is invited to attend our virtual informational sessions:
Jan 20, 6-7 p.m. | CTE & EFA Informational Session - Part 1
Feb. 2, 6-7 p.m. | CTE & EFA Informational Session - Part 2
Feb. 11, 6-7 p.m. | EMC Informational Session - Part 1
Feb. 23, 6-7 p.m. | EMC Informational Session - Part 2
Let us help you prepare for the future, so that no matter what it holds – you will be ready.
But don’t take our word for it - check out what current CTE, EFA and EMC students have to say about their experiences:
CTE Dental Assisting | Isabella Brown, Parchment High School
"This program has given me confidence in myself and my abilities to do things I'd never thought I'd do. It has also given me a head start for my career and has even brought me amazing opportunities. The instructors here are supportive of their students and are passionate about what they do and will help you every step of the way."
EMC Multimedia & Video | Ariel Smedley, Schoolcraft High School
“What I like most about being in the EMC program is being able to experience the responsibilities of a college student while still being in high school. I think it makes the transition from being a teenager to being an adult a lot smoother,” said Ariel Smedley, Multimedia & Video student.
EFA Modern Jazz Dance Studio | Amaya Newson, Portage Northern High School
“What I like most about my EFA class is that it’s really fun and I learn a lot about dance and choreography, especially. I get to meet other people and make new friends. It’s just really fun to get to express my emotions through dance.”
CTE Construction Trades | Austin Douglas, Kalamazoo Central High School
“I love the fact that the people who are teaching you don’t care if you mess up. Like, if you mess up it’s all good, just correct it. That actually helps you learn something better.”
EFA 3D Animation & Game Design | Max Burnham, Kalamazoo Central High School
“What I like most about my EFA class is that it provides the creativity and freedom for me to do what I want to do. The teacher’s very open to anything essentially – creativity is boundless in this class.”
EMC Political Science | Janessa Brown, Kalamazoo Central High School
“My experience with EMC has impacted my future by giving me the confidence I need in order to attend a four-year university, whereas before I probably wouldn’t have thought that I’d be capable of taking college classes.”
Learn more and apply online at kresa.org/FutureReady.
