At the Allegan Tech Center, students in the Pathways to Success program are gaining invaluable career insights and practical skills. This program, designed with a holistic approach, goes beyond standard career preparation; it empowers students to explore diverse post-secondary pathways, from college to apprenticeships, military service, and direct entry into the workforce. Through rigorous career exploration, skill-building modules, and work-based learning, students are developing the competencies needed to make informed, rewarding choices for their futures. 
The Pathways to Success curriculum provide students with a robust set of skills to navigate today’s job market confidently. Key areas of study include Personal Finance, Career Development, Employability Skills, and Social-Emotional Learning, each essential to helping students become well-rounded professionals. Modules on resume and cover letter writing give students practical tools to present themselves effectively in competitive job markets, while skill development in Communication, Critical Thinking, and Problem-Solving prepares them to address challenges and thrive in various professional settings.
“Each of these areas plays a critical role in ensuring students leave this program equipped to handle the responsibilities and expectations of their chosen fields,” Carey Stolsonburg, Communications Coordinator shared. “We’re not only preparing them for jobs; we’re giving them the tools to grow into fulfilling careers.”
As students’ progress through Pathways to Success, they engage in various authentic work experiences, applying classroom lessons to real-world contexts. By the program’s third trimester, students who demonstrate proficiency in the curriculum can establish a work-based learning placement aligned with their unique Career Development Plans. These experiences help students deepen their understanding of specific industries, whether they aspire to join healthcare, skilled trades, or the business world. 
A recent three-week career exploration project allowed students to research a variety of fields, assessing required skills, education, and the day-to-day responsibilities of each role. After selecting a chosen career path, students conducted additional research to prepare for informal presentations, where guests were invited to ask questions about their research and career goals. Through hands-on projects like these, students practice essential employability skills, including time management, customer service, and task flexibility. These experiences often give students valuable insights into industry expectations, helping them clarify their goals and make well-informed decisions about their futures.
Pathways to Success opens doors to multiple futures, recognizing that each student has distinct aspirations. From preparing for college entrance exams and understanding financial aid, to exploring military service options, apprenticeships, and job opportunities, students leave the program with a clear, personalized plan for success.
Through the program’s comprehensive approach, Pathways to Success is helping shape the next generation of skilled, knowledgeable, and adaptable professionals, ready to succeed in Allegan County and beyond.