New program offers Washtenaw County students experience in business, entertainment, sports, and tourism

This article is part of Concentrate’s Voices of Youth series, which features stories written by Washtenaw County youth with guidance from Concentrate staff mentors, as well as adult-written stories spotlighting local youth perspective. In this installment, student writer Audra Ambrozaitis reports on a new leadership program for Washtenaw County students.

The Washtenaw Intermediate School District (WISD), Destination Ann Arbor, and Washtenaw Community College (WCC) have partnered to pilot an innovative program for Washtenaw County career and technical education (CTE) students. 

The core of the new BEST Leadership program is in its name. The acronym stands for business, entrepreneurship, sports management, and tourism. It’s designed to do double duty for high schoolers interested in these growing industries. Students gain valuable experience to take their ambitions to the next level through hands-on learning, real industry connections, and opportunities to expose their talents. They also receive a management certificate to take their ambitions to the next level.

Eric Jackson, WISD’s coordinator of CTE Work Based Learning, explains that the program serves as a capstone experience for high school seniors who have successfully completed a CTE program during 11th grade.

“It is a combined ‘earn and learn’ educational opportunity with academic [studies] and a year-long work-based learning experience with an industry leader aligned with the student’s CTE program,” Jackson says.“On Tuesdays, students meet from 1:30-4:30 p.m. at WCC. Upon arrival, they are greeted by their professor and dive directly into their modules.”

He adds, “The class includes 12 other WCC students, providing our high school scholars with the chance to collaborate with college peers.”

Manchester High School senior Abbi Austin participated in the BEST Leadership Program. Her counselor recommended it to Austin because it could prove useful to her future plans.

“I signed up for the program because my counselor Mrs. Freeman recommended it to me,” she says. “We realized that it could be very beneficial for my future plans, which are studying in college and going into sports medicine. Shadowing positions in this field can put me ahead.”

The new program can bring hands-on learning to students looking to further expand their knowledge, refine ideas and business plans, and enhance creativity. Austin recalls her initial expectations of BEST.

“I expected to get valuable observation hours and come out of it with at least a bit more knowledge, going into college next year,” she says. “I really liked the shadowing opportunity aspect of it.”

Huron High School senior Nha Nguyen learned about the program through Chef Samantha Dye, her CTE culinary arts instructor.

“I believe that the program would allow me to develop to my best ability,” Nguyen says. “Everyone is friendly and helpful. I felt the sense of belonging in a community where I can freely share my ideas, and learn from people around.”

Expanding CTE access countywide to give students the BEST opportunities

Earning credentials like the nine-credit Entrepreneurship Essentials Certificate from WCC is a building block for BEST students. It builds their confidence to pursue additional credentials and further their education. The opportunity to intern with a wide range of respected local businesses and organizations builds their resumes and a network of industry contacts.

For example, culinary students can be placed at Zingerman’s Bakehouse, The Vanguard Hotel, Aubree’s Pizza in Ypsilanti, and Travis Pointe Country Club. For physical therapy students, opportunities this year are available through Adrian College’s Health Science and Sports Medicine program.

“After the first day, I think I was very overwhelmed and very excited. I knew that I was going to have to put in more work than most of the rest of my classes,” Austin says. “But it’s obviously going to pay off since this is what I see myself going into in the future.”

Jackson says that WISD would like to expand access to the program. He’d like to bring these opportunities to even more students across the county, and to increase the number of industry partners engaged “in every aspect of BEST.” On the upcoming Nov. 4 ballot, voters residing in WISD school districts can weigh in on a 1-mill, 10-year proposal to expand access to CTE programs countywide.

“More connections mean more pathways for our students to earn credentials, build confidence, and pursue their aspirations,” Jackson says. “Most importantly, we want each student to leave this program with meaningful professional relationships and the confidence to achieve their dreams – whether in college, career, or entrepreneurship.”

Concentrate staffer Jaishree Drepaul served as Audra’s mentor on this article.

To read more from the Voices of Youth series, click here.