Saginaw County CTE

Saginaw ISD CTE Career and Technical Education Newsletter - October 31, 2024

Want to know what's happening in the CTE department at the Saginaw ISD? Look for our newsletter to come to you the last week of every month!

From the Director, Kevin Summey

As we enter November, students at the Saginaw Career Complex (SCC) will continue to engage in hands-on learning and explore various career opportunities through our diverse programs. This month, in recognition of National Apprenticeship Month, we are placing a special emphasis on apprenticeship opportunities as part of our broader work-based learning efforts. Apprenticeships provide students with paid, real-world training that helps them develop essential skills while earning credentials that lead directly to career advancement.

With college application deadlines approaching, we are offering support to help students navigate this critical step in their educational journeys. Our commitment to supporting special populations remains a priority, with guidance and opportunities designed to meet the needs of all learners. 

Through our partnerships with the Youth Solutions Foundation and our strong CTE/EMC programs, students are gaining valuable insights into career development and post-secondary options.

Our staff will also continue to offer support through counselor networking sessions, talent tours, work-based learning consultations, on-site career development sessions, and more. We are thankful for our ongoing partnership with local businesses and industries, and we look forward to empowering even more students to achieve their full potential in the months ahead.

Please stay tuned for more exciting updates on what is happening in CTE!

Saginaw ISD CTE Team Teal Circle Logo with White Letter

Work-Based Learning and Employer Connections

On October 11th, the Ryder Center on the campus of Saginaw Valley State University was filled with excitement as MiCareerQuest welcomed 4,540 10th-grade students from 57 schools across 11 counties—Arenac, Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Isabella, Iosco, Midland, Ogemaw, Roscommon, and Saginaw. Accompanied by 296 chaperones, the students explored career possibilities in an engaging and interactive setting to inspire their future ambitions.

The event featured more than 80 employer exhibits showcasing over 300 different occupations. A team of over 700 experts representing leading businesses and industries provided hands-on activities that gave students a real-world look into their careers. Students could see firsthand what these occupations involve and learn from the professionals working in these fields daily.

The event would not have been possible without the dedication of the 170 Michigan Works! staff members and volunteers who were vital in ensuring the event ran smoothly. Their efforts helped create an environment where students could gain valuable insights and discover new career paths.e

Middle Michigan MiCareer Quest logo with magnifying glass
Students using an oxygen mask on a mannequin while an instructor looks on
male student operating a crane simulator with operator assistance
a student learning how to wire an AC unit with an instructor demonstrating
students in hazmat shirts standing for a photo

Work-Based Learning at Chesaning Union High School

Jacob Galloway, a Chesaning High School 12th-grade student, is gaining hands-on experience in auto body repair and service through his work-based learning experience at Chesaning Body Shop. Under the guidance of skilled professionals, Jacob is learning the ins and outs of vehicle repair, from bodywork to paint refinishing, while building valuable career skills in the industry he loves. "Jacob does a great job, and it is very rewarding to watch him grow professionally in an industry that he is passionate about," says Erica Birkmeier, his work-based learning coordinator. Jacob stated, "My experience with work-based learning has further grown my interest in the auto collision reconditioning industry and has improved my hands-on skills to the point that I can hold my own in a work environment. The WBL program is a great way to learn hands-on, in a fast-paced environment while still being in school."

Student working on a rear fender in an auto body shop
Student using a paint gun and wearing PPE painting a yellow door panel
College & Career Blue and Gold banner with the words "Helping Students navigate their path during and after high school through College & Career Readiness

School Counselors & Career Readiness Teams

Mark Lyons, Saginaw ISD Program Director of IT speaks in front of counselors and career readiness teams

As the demand for skilled professionals continues to grow, Career and Technical Education (CTE) plays a crucial role in preparing students for success in both college and the workforce. Professional learning initiatives focused on CTE equip educators and school staff with innovative strategies to enhance their curriculum and provide students with knowledge of hands-on, real-world experiences.  Additionally, CTE-focused professional development empowers educators to guide students in exploring various career pathways. 

Our 2024-2025 school year workshops and training sessions will emphasize the importance of instilling a sense of purpose in supporting students' career and college pursuits.  Our session at Delta College touched base on the offerings students have in their own county at the Community College level, resources available to students and staff, and more.  For your planning, the remaining sessions and information are as follows: 

Wednesday, October 30th, 2024 at Saginaw Valley State University

  • Topics: DEI, SVSU Resources, and Leveraging AI in Career Development

Wednesday, November 20th, 2024 - Talent Tour - Register: https://tinyurl.com/mvwuwa5b

  • Fabiano Brothers, & Labadie Auto, & More

Wednesday, December 4th, 2024 at Saginaw ISD Unity Hall

  • Topics: MI Career Development Model, EDP, & Xello

Wednesday, January 29th, 2025 - Talent Tour

  • Consumers Energy & More

Wednesday, February 19th, 2025 at Northwood University

  • Topics: College Knowledge

Wednesday, March 12th, 2025 at Bay-Arenac ISD

  • Topics: Social Emotional Learning & More

Wednesday, April 9th, 2025 at Saginaw ISD Unity Hall

  • Topics: MI Career Development Model & More

Wednesday, May 14th, 2025 - Talent Tour

  • Dow Chemical & More

Talent Tour Flyer November 20th 5 career schechs DoubleTree, Fabiano Brothers, Labadie Auto Questions Contact Amanda Koch akoch@sisd.cc

College & Career Development In Our School Districts

On Wednesday, October 16, Sandy Hart, St. Charles’ College and Career Advisor, partnered with Delta College to bring their STEM bus to St. Charles Middle School.  The 7th and 8th grade students got an opportunity to explore different STEM careers.


Student using lab equipment while another student stands behindn watching
Two students using VR goggles sitting at a booth

Doug Bird, Swan Valley High School College and Career Advisor, presented an opportunity for students to receive “FREE PIZZA” for a year through the State of Michigan’s initiative to have students complete their FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) applications.  Chevelle Ziembo, a student at Swan Valley, was a proud winner of one of the promotional packages.  Doug was thinking of one pizza a month for a year, but it was a $750 gift card to spend at Hungry Howie’s.

student holding a box

Birch Run recently hosted an exciting Manufacturing Day event, featuring guest speakers from Birch Machinery and Nexteer. Both speakers shared insights into their careers as engineers in the manufacturing industry, offering students and attendees a firsthand look at the day-to-day life in their roles. They highlighted the various opportunities within the field, emphasizing the importance of innovation and problem-solving in their work. The event provided an inspiring glimpse into the world of manufacturing and engineering, sparking interest in future career possibilities.

Birch Machinery employees discussing what their day in the life looks like
Nexteer representative talking in front of a screen with the logo MFG Day

Saginaw County Youth Ambassadors

Cohort 3 Class of 2025

SagiNOW - Shaping Our Tomorrow, Starting Today

Cohort 3 Ambassador Torrion Stevenson was recently elected as Homecoming King for Saginaw United’s first-ever homecoming court! We are thrilled to see Torrion excelling both in school and in the community. Being a youth ambassador is about leadership, service, and setting an example for others, and Torrion embodies these qualities. Congratulations, Torrion, on this well-deserved honor! We are proud to have ambassadors like you making a difference. Keep up the great work!

Homecoming King, Torron from Saginaw United

Cohort 4 Class of 2026

Saginaw County: For A Day or a Lifetime

Youth Ambassador Program Cohort Four - Saginaw County: For A Day Or A Lifetime

Our junior cohort of Youth Ambassadors are on the move across Saginaw County!  This month they ventured out to learn about economic development by visiting various local businesses and gaining first-hand insights into different career paths. Below are some photos from their incredible adventure! Thank you to the following businesses who helped make the day one they won't forget!

  • Amigo Mobility

  • Bayne’s Apple Valley

  • Hausbeck Pickle

  • MBS Airport


youth ambassadors holding jars of pickles with Owner and HR representatives from Hausbeck Pickle inside their front office
Youth ambassadors posing in front of an Amigo sign with Owner Jordan Thieme inside Amigo's manufacturing facility
youth ambassadors posing in front of the air tower at MBS airport with director, James Cander
Youth ambassadors posing at Baynes Appple Valley Farm with Owners Jeanine and Ben Coughlin

Cohort 5 Class of 2027

Cohort #5 will be in its 2nd session of leadership skills training.  Eugene Seals, President/CEO of the Saginaw Chamber of Commerce, will be with us to talk about “Homegrown” leadership.  The ambassadors will also be introduced to self-awareness in “True Colors” training.  This training session will focus on the ambassadors finding out who they are as it relates to being a leader.

Eugene Seals, Chamber President

Eugune Seals

True Colors Discovering Your TRUE colors Flyer

True Colors

Saginaw Career Complex

CTE at SCC: Saginaw Career Complex Fall/Winter School Counselor & Supervisors Annual Update - Save the Date!

With the 2024-2025 school year off to a great start, we invite you to join us for the Annual Update Breakfast at SCC!  Meet the new administration, program instructors, and support staff; as well as the new strategies implemented to support students in their achievement at SCC.

SCC Annual Counselor & Supervisor Update Flyer Thursday, December 19th 8:00am-10:00am at the Saginaw Career Complex Restaurant with pics of students and a QR code

CTE/Early Middle College Programs

The PTA, Nursing, and Teacher Academy Early Middle College Programs have finished the cycle of enrolling the next cohort of students at Delta College.  Each student has applied, completed the Guided Self Placement Assessments, and registered for their first class(es).  Students were registered for ENG 111 or ENG 096 & ENG 111C.  Those taking ENG 096 & ENG 111 are students who are in need of extra support with their writing, grammar, and punctuation.  This means some students are taking 2 classes instead of 1, which also means, they may need more support or time to complete their college coursework.  

To better prepare and support our students we will meet to share information on how to access email, online classes, counseling, tutoring, and writing support services.  A Career Navigator from the SISD will also meet with students bi-weekly to check grades and provide suggestions for those who need more assistance.  

To make sure our students are able to take advantage of our EMC programs at SCC please make sure your students are coded 3500 with the school’s state reporting submissions for Fall Count.  If you have any questions, please contact Sharmee Gloss at sgloss@sisd.cc.

GLBEC Great Lakes Early Middle College Logo green blue orange