Tyler not only is on track to graduate from Gull Lake High School, but he’s also gaining valuable on-the-job experience in the Education for Employment (EFE) program through Kalamazoo RESA. He goes to school for part of the day, then heads off campus for a co-op job on the front desk of a dental practice.

 

“The biggest thing that pushed me towards doing co-op was the fact that I could get a real job, get paid, leave school early and get a lot of experience in the field,” says Tyler, who’s interested in a career in finance and accounting or business management.

 

Working at the dental office has taught Tyler about customer service, marketing, sales and even a lot about insurance, billing and dentistry. Another great thing about his co-op experience is that he wasn't just handed the job.

 

“I had to write my resume and do an interview,” he said. “Most people my age haven’t done either one of those things, so that also put me ahead of the game.”

 

 

KRESA is hosting an open house for Kalamazoo County students and their families to learn about the programs 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 5, at the Air Zoo, 6151 Portage Rd. in Portage. Here are the basics:

 

 

Tyler, who started EFE as a junior in high school, now is a senior dual-enrolled at KVCC through the Early/Middle College program, and he’s still working at the dental office when he doesn’t have classes. That way, one year out of high school Tyler will have his associate degree and three years of experience on the job before he goes on to complete a bachelor’s degree.

 

“I highly recommend co-op to high school students because it really does teach you a lot about the field you want to go into, and while doing so you're still getting your high school credits to graduate on time,” Tyler says. “I've got something on my resume and I'm ready for a full-time job after schooling.”

 

 

While EFE is giving Tyler a head start in high school, EFA has given Erin Sullivan a leg up in college. Starting in her junior year of high school, Erin got involved in an EFA program in Film & Video Arts because her school didn’t offer any classes in that field.

 

Through the EFA classes, Erin honed technical skills in filming and editing and was surrounded by other students who also were passionate about their art. She looked forward to school every day and was able to create a portfolio of short films that helped her get accepted into film school in Chicago.

 

“From day one in the EFA class we had hands-on experience that prepared me for college,” Erin says. “When I got to film school, I found myself ahead of the curve. I’m excelling in my classes since I have already had experience.”

 

Middle school and high school students in Kalamazoo County and their parents are invited to the open house. Here are five more reasons to check it out:

 

 

In the event of a snow day, the open house will be rescheduled for 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 7, at the Air Zoo.