We enjoy it when our alumni come back to visit and let us know what they are doing now!
Deputy Kayla Southwick is a former Criminal Justice student, 2021-2022. Kayla credits the program and instructor, Bill Baker, for preparing and giving her the skills to be successful in the Police Academy. She currently is a road officer for the Allegan County Sherriff's Department. Pictured with Kayla is Criminal Justice instructor, Bill Baker.
For January 17, due to weather conditions the Allegan Area ESA will have a complete shutdown. All buildings and programs are closed.
For January 17, due to expected weather conditions the Tech Center and Hillside Learning Center will be closed.
Welding is one of our most popular Adult CTE courses! Register now before it is full!
For January 16, due to weather conditions the Allegan Area ESA will have a complete shutdown. All buildings and programs are closed.
Trimester 2 Student Spotlight for the Manufacturing Careers Technology program is Hopkins High School junior, Lillia Bailey. Lillia signed up for the class to gain knowledge of machining to help her make parts for the #2054 Robotics Team at Hopkins. Lillia has been a quick learner and will share her knowledge to help students having difficulties. She is a self-starter and is not afraid to jump right in on new projects. Along with attending the Tech Center and being involved with the robotics team she is also a member of the color guard. After graduation her plan is to attend college.
The Allegan Adult CTE Program is passionate about helping the community continue to learn and grow and build a strong Allegan County. To help accomplish this, we use our Sect. 107 Adult Special Programs grant to help Allegan County residents complete their high school diploma or GED with one of our Adult Education Partners, Allegan Adult Education, and Plainwell Adult Education. West Michigan Works then comes alongside our adult students to help increase employability skills. At the same time, the student can take one of our CTE programs in the evening for free. Reach out to Career Navigator, Allyson for more information and get enrolled today!
Earn your CNA through our partnership with Lake Michigan College. Class starts later this month. See flyer for details!
The Welding students are starting one of their community service projects which is fabricating eight bicycle racks for the city of Allegan. Each design will have a theme and will be located outside of the business it represents. All eight racks were designed by our Engineering, Electronics, and Robotics students. This project was brought to us from Joel Dye, Allegan City Manager. The rack pictured will end up looking like a mug and will represent Tantrick Brewing Co.
January is School Board Recognition Month. Thank you to the Allegan Area ESA Board of Education for ensuring that every learner, school, and community thrives.
Career and Technical Education (CTE) is not just for high school students. The Allegan Area ESA is committed to delivering continuing education and training opportunities for adults of all ages at the Tech Center. The Allegan Tech Center, in collaboration with postsecondary partners, community organizations and state agencies promotes learning and aim to improve access to affordable and meaningful educational opportunities. Instructors are experts in their industry and help adults improve skills whether the student is taking courses for personal enjoyment or looking to gain entry-level skills in the chosen industry for future employment. We also have the unique ability to connect adult students working on high school completion with our Career Navigator to enroll in our courses for free.
Cameran Cameruci....student spotlight for EMS.
Student Spotlight....Culinary Arts!
Meet Brooklyn Badders! Today's spotlight.
Enrollment for the Tech Center starts at the local district/high school level for students and is initiated in February. All of our programs are one-year programs except for Auto and Heavy Equipment, which are two-year; seniors can still enroll. 10th and 11th grade students should discuss their wish to enroll in one of our programs, and also graduation requirements, with their local high school counselor. Homeschool and private school students are welcome, and their enrollment also begins at their given school district to discuss enrollment procedures. More information can be found on our website: alhttps://www.alleganaesa.org/page/tech-center-program-enrollment-information
Student Spotlight for Manufacturing Careers Technology! We would like to introduce Taegan Harris, Martin High School senior. Taegan finished our one-year program last year and decided to return to continue building his skills. He is a model student and is a leader both in the classroom and the shop. Taegan shares his knowledge of machining with his classmates when they need help. His projects placed well last year in both the MITES regional and state competitions. He was also an integral part of Martin's recent back-to-back state football championships. After graduation he is undecided between attending college or going straight to the workforce to begin a career in the machining trade. Whichever path he chooses his future is bright!
Each year local 10th grade students visit the Tech Center to explore career and technical education programs. The Pathways to Success students rocked the house during these visits! Students showcased their career paths with vibrant display tables. The visitors interacted, asked questions, and got inspired! If anyone else wishes to know about our Pathways to Success program as this was a new non-CTE program this year, please call 269-512-7800.
Student Spotlight: Heidi Billington, Martin High School senior and a student of our Health Occupations Academy (second year health program we have available).
Welding Student Spotlight: Junior student, Cameron Cameruci, from Martin High School. Cameron enrolled at the Tech Center as he wanted to learn a skill that he could possibly use after high school, and he chose the Welding program as it "looked cool." He does not regret his decision. He states he is having fun and that TIG welding is his favorite so far. He isn't sure what his plans are after he graduates next year, but does know that it will be the work force for him, most likely a union position, and now he thinks it will be in welding. He states his dad was in the union through the paper mill.
Building Trades 2 Spotlight: Most of our programs are one-year programs, but for students who meet the requirements, they can return for work-based learning (WBL) placements. Colbey Jones is a Wayland High School senior and this past summer he began working for Kent Companies in Grand Rapids. He continues to work for them as a WBL student and is currently building a parking garage. Colbey states that he enrolled in the Tech Center's Building Trades 1 program as he likes working with his hands. He plans to continue working for Kent Companies after he graduates this spring.
