A trifecta of talent returned to Kent Career Tech Center as culinary aides for the program they completed while in high school. All three share how the skills they learned as KCTC students help them now direct 11th and 12th graders enrolled in a program that prepares the next generation of bakers, butchers, sous chefs and chocolatiers.

From a work-based learning experience at CS Erickson emerged a full-time career as an electrical apprentice for Omar Rodriguez, a 2026 graduate of Lee High and West Michigan Construction Institute’s Electric pathway, a Kent ISD CTE program.

With the new school year about to get underway, we asked students enjoying Maranda’s Park Party Recess at Endeavor Elementary in Kentwood to share their dreams and how education may help them achieve their goals. Tim Hargis, the district’s Communications Director, joined us with insight from his years leading classrooms and as a school principal.

Hands-on experience as an IT intern for Kent Career Tech Center is helping 12th grade student Grady Albin gain industry-specific skills to empower him achieve future goals in cyber security

When her Olympic hopes were dashed by a worldwide pandemic, Sekayi Bracey set out to cross another finish line, completing a unique teaching program and leading a fourth-grade classroom. West Michigan Teacher Collaborative helped remove barriers so she could continue to soar into teaching fourth grade at Grand Rapids Public Schools’ Mulick Park Elementary and coaching track at Godfrey-Lee Public Schools’ Lee High

As an intern with Kent ISD’s Communications team, Kenny Vi took on the challenge of taking Kent Career Tech Center’s Tik Tok feed up a few notches…and he didn’t stop there. Kenny shares how Marketing + Design at KCTC sharpened his entrepreneurial and creative tools and helped prepare him to make an impact at his home school, on the tennis court and into the future

When a gymnasium fills up with nearly 200 middle school girls from many area districts, the energy in the room is electric. Maranda of WOOD TV brought together this group for her annual Beautiful U, an event aimed at inspiring and empowering girls and encouraging them to dream big. Future marine biologists, entertainers, police officers and veterinarians from Comstock Park Middle school shared their aspirations while their school PBIS coordinator and Kent ISD’s Workforce Development Consultant Krista Harmon pointed out some potential connections for exploring their careers of choice

George French completed an Auto Mechanics program at Kent Career Tech Center in 1976 and spent decades auto racing and in all kinds of roles as a mechanic. He shares how a CTE start helped drive his dream with City Middle High 7th grader Adam Milkovich who is interested in exploring a career behind the wheel. Workforce Development Consultant Krista Harmon adds some potential career pathways and benefits of joining KCTC’s Alumni Network

Brian Gall spent some thirty years as an electrician after completing a program at Kent Career Tech Center that introduced him to his trade. Now, he’s using his years of experience and industry expertise to teach students like Kent City High senior Bryer Armstrong in a Kent ISD CTE program at West Michigan Construction Institute

When Ashley Sands started exploring health careers at Kent Career Tech Center, she didn’t know she would return there to teach students just like her what it takes to become a phlebotomist. Her connection with her first health careers instructor Linda Ford continues to inspire and drive her success