Voices of Youth

BEST Leadership Program participant Nha Nguyen.

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

Students in the BEST leadership program gain valuable experience to take their ambitions to the next level through hands-on learning, real industry connections, and opportunities to expose their talents.

Saline High School teacher Corbin Brown and student Dakota Ford with a drone they use in class.
From drone farming to table: Washtenaw County culinary students use innovative tech

Culinary students are using drones to learn about modern farming methods and where their ingredients come from, while also providing useful skills for future jobs.

Cybersecurity programs prepare Washtenaw County high schoolers for future careers

As Michigan continues to build a reputation as a powerhouse in the world of cybersecurity, Washtenaw County high schoolers have the opportunity to become leaders in the field.

Dylan Presley with a robot arm at Ypsilanti Community High School.
How an Ypsi high schooler found “direction” in skilled trades after taking CTE classes

Dylan Presley found his calling in career and technical education (CTE) classes, and he expects to go into the trades after he graduates high school.

Students and instructors in a drone aviation class at the former Bessie Hoffman Elementary School in Belleville.
Drone pilot program offers Ypsi-area high schoolers early training for aviation careers

A new drone aviation technology pilot program is giving students hands-on experience, mentorship, and a focus on real-world skills.

Students Liahni Quijada (left) and Nha Nguyen (right) with Ji Hye Kim (center) at her restaurant, Little Kim. Quijada and Nguyen were among a group of students selected to design a pop-up dinner at Kim's restaurant, Miss Kim, after winning culinary competitions.
Washtenaw County high schoolers bring home accolades in manufacturing, cooking, and more

In local, state, and national competitions, students are finding early professional recognition in their future career paths.

Brick Elementary students Grace Andrzejewski, Harper Lehto, and Victoria Giardini (front row) hold up robots that their teacher, Jodi VanHevel (in back), uses in class.
Elementary students get STEM exposure in every class at this Ypsi-area school

Brick Elementary aims to help students learn how to problem-solve and work together as teams.

Andrew Milkey, project manager at Ideal Contracting.
From builders to health leaders, these Washtenaw County professionals found their start in high school CTE classes

Career and technical education (CTE) programs are instrumental in preparing the next generation of builders, managers, and innovators.

Evan Aeschliman at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business.
From high school CTE classes to WCC to U-M, Saline native blazes his own trail in business

Evan Aeschliman has forged his own path toward a career in business, progressing from high school career and technical education courses to Washtenaw Community College to the University of Michigan.

A diverse group of young people reads together.
Youth of diverse backgrounds find many ways to connect to community in Washtenaw County

Student writer Amira Ben-Abid looks into the ways she and other students of diverse backgrounds have found community in Washtenaw County.

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