So often, schools’ athletic teams are applauded for their accomplishments on the court or on the field. Rarely, do you hear about the positive learning that occurs in the classroom. Capital Area Michigan Works! wants to change that and publicly acknowledge the work that school districts and individuals schools have done to assist students on focusing on potential careers for their future. Capital Area Michigan Works! believes that it is vital for our schools to provide career-planning skills at the elementary and secondary school level.

At the 2nd Annual Career Connections Celebration held at the Kellogg Center on April 30, 200 guests witnessed Eaton Rapids, Fowler, Grand Ledge, Stockbridge, Waverly and Webberville Schools receive a Lighthouse District Award presented by the Career Connections Education Advisory Board and Capital Area Michigan Works! Schools were recognized for their efforts in developing the Career Pathways curriculum for the classroom. Each school received a trophy at the celebration held at Michigan State University Kellogg Center. Also recognized as receiving Lighthouse status for this year were Dansville, East Lansing, Haslett, Holt, Lansing, Leslie, Maple Valley, Mason, Okemos, St. Johns Public Schools, and Walter French Academy.

“We want students to be able to choose a career by choice—not by chance,” said Edith Suttles, Chair of Career Connections. “This evening was a chance to celebrate these accomplishments with school leaders, parents, students, business leaders and labor representatives.”

For more information about Career Connections, call Jacqueline Vance at 517.492.5509.