WSCC, CTE, & Me Day Paves Career Paths for Students

With support from a Community Foundation for Mason County grant, 735 third graders from across Lake, Manistee, Mason, and Oceana counties participated in WSCC, CTE, & Me Day held at West Shore Community College last May. The special event introduced the third graders to career and technical education (CTE) and community college programs, planting seeds of hope and enthusiasm for the future. 

During their campus visit, students explored future opportunities through hands-on experiences like tending to a wounded patient, trying on welding gear, and analyzing their fingerprints. Students and teachers alike expressed appreciation for the wide array of careers showcased within six highlighted career zones. 

The special day fostered discussions about future pathways and motivated teacher involvement in career exploration. Event facilitators hope the discussions and their connections to academic subjects will result in greater engagement in school and help students as they begin to form career goals.

Collaboration between WSCC and CTE and community involvement contributed to the event’s success. Seventeen sponsors, including local businesses and nonprofit organizations, and 87 volunteers contributed their time and resources.

Students also received a pizza lunch and a commemorative WSCC, CTE, & Me t-shirt. Each student took home a tote bag that included a flyer outlining careers highlighted at the event so they could talk about them with their parents/guardians. 

“Students had fun while they learned about careers,” said Dr. Wendy Wells, Talent Pipeline Coordinator for West Shore Community College. Wendy expressed gratitude for the collaborative effort, noting, “This event would not have been successful without the financial support and number of volunteers involved.”

To view a complete list of grants awarded in 2023, go to Past Grant Awards – Community Foundation Mason County (mason-foundation.org).