Workforce Development at Kent ISD

Another successful #TalkandTour! Students and their parents had a great time with Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan on Tuesday. A parent told us: "The Talk & Learn was an amazing experience for my son and I to attend together. The panel shared all the things that I hoped he would understand about a zigzag path to finding a career. The emphasis on job shadowing, researching careers and talking to people about their careers was awesome. We both came away from the night hopeful and inspired." Visit kentisd.org/talkandtour for a full list of upcoming Talk and Tours.

November's #TalkandTour features Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan! Don't miss this FREE "behind the scenes" tour designed for 7-12 grade students and their parents/guardians ?? Tuesday, Nov. 12 from 6PM-7:30PM. Register now at kentisd.org/talkandtour.

Shoutout to Clark Hill Law attorneys and to the students and parents (from East Kentwood, Forest Hills Northern, Godfrey-Lee, Kent City, Rockford, and Sparta) who attended the October #TalkandTour! The international law firm was able to share valuable information with local students - not only their personal journeys, but also some “inside scoop” about the field of law. One-on-one conversations were held after the event, leaving students with more knowledge to help in their decision-making. For more information on #TalkandTours, visit kentisd.org/talkandtour.

Awareness is key to developing a personal path that leads to career opportunities. Esports has multiple career paths that are within business and industry and offers athletic scholarships for college. This years inaugural Mario Kart tournament allowed young men and women to compete and create awareness of careers within IT and Esports. We look forward to growing these opportunities for students, parents, business & industry, and ultimately the talent pipeline in our area that can benefit from a multi billion dollar industry that is world wide. https://lnkd.in/e6yx2MyR

Another awesome TECH day! Started at Kent Career Tech Center for the Student Tech Showcase! It’s essential to invest in young talent early to provide access, exposure, and to begin building your talent bench! Orgs that do this play the long talent game & students from various walks of life learn your brand early! Kudos to Ryan Graham, Kelly Bowers, Lisa Hungerford (your other home), Jacob Bandstra and the entire KCTC team! Amazing to see so many organizations actively engaging students: Natalie Vidal & team, Bank of America; Brendan Grimes & Jessica Ricksgers, Array of Engineers; Gentex Corporation; Joe Chrysler, Atomic Object; Daniel Hyacinthe, Wimee; Code on Wheels, & more Jason Jackson & team, Kendall College of Art and Design; Ferris State University; Western Michigan University & more! Shout out The Right Place, Inc. team & ambassadors- woot! woot!

Great work by all involved and appreciate the collaboration between Workforce Development at Kent ISD, BAMF Health, Ferris State University, Grand Rapids Public Schools, Kentwood Public Schools, and East Grand Rapids Public Schools. Teaching staff showed their great skill in leading students that are shining examples of Kent County has to offer in future talent right here in West Michigan.

Great Energy Awareness event at Consumers Energy in Grand Rapids today! Appreciated the invite and ability to connect with DTE Energy, Grand Rapids Community College, Kent Power, MEWDC - Michigan Energy Workforce Development Consortium, and Kent ISD. Students from West Michigan Center for Arts + Technology - WMCAT and Urban League of West Michigan were able to interact with staff and equipment to better understand the industry. Great careers in this line of work with many options to grow and sustain a great career!

Design and Process thinking are fundamental to our strategic growth and innovation at BAMF Health. It can be found in every element of our business and built environment. As a Kendall College of Art and Design and Ferris State University alumni, I am thankful that this program and collaboration exists with Kent ISD and that Kentwood Public Schools, East Grand Rapids Public Schools and Grand Rapids Public Schools elected to participate and provide this opportunity to their students. Thank you Ryan Graham for continuing to champion education in our community!

It's just the beginning of this great partnership between BAMF Health and Ferris State University with Kent ISD. There's so much more to come in the next few weeks! Workforce Development at Kent ISD

https://lnkd.in/gXGBBJ23 The FutureSolve partnership with BAMF continues to shine and showcase the talents of our students in Kent County. BAMF leaders have posed four questions to our students to use Design Thinking strategies in solving. We look forward to their progress over the next 4 weeks and will highlight their final presentations to BAMF leadership!