KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Business leaders around Kalamazoo say educators are preparing kids for college, but they’re not getting them ready for the workforce.
That’s why Kalamazoo voters will be asked during the November 5th election to approve a one mil increase for the Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency Career and Technical Education (CTE) proposal to build and staff a vocational education center.
KRESA Superintendent Dave Campbell says surrounding counties already have the centers and the millages to support them and Kalamazoo is falling behind.
“Our rapidly changing society and economy are making it much more complex to be a young person trying to find their way,” said Campbell. “When young people learn marketable skills through CTE, it gives them hope AND a plan.”
He says the business community is ready to help fund the center and provide equipment for training.
The Kalamazoo School Board endorsed the millage request at their Thursday night meeting.
According to KRESA’s website, if approved, the millage would provide:
- Increased equity, efficiency and quality of K12+ CTE programming
- More career readiness coaches exposing more students to potential careers
- A centrally located career center with smaller satellite locations
- Efficient transportation so more students can participate
- State-of-the-art technology and equipment to prepare students for high-demand, high-skill and high-wage careers
- More instructional support staff to help students who are at-risk those with disabilities
- Additional training and support for students and families, including underrepresented populations
- More career planning, apprenticeships and work-based learning to help students choose the right careers
- More students earning credentials/certificates to meet the needs of employers
- Enhanced partnerships with employers and colleges to help prepare students for the 21st Century
- More young people equipped with the skills needed to earn a good living, allowing them to raise families in the area
