As March comes to a close, the Career and Technical Education (CTE) community continues to celebrate student achievements, program innovation, and our collective commitment to preparing students for success in both college and career pathways. In this edition, we are excited to share updates and highlights that showcase the dedication of educators, students, and partners working together to expand opportunities across our region. Thank you for your continued support of CTE in Saginaw County.

This year marks the fifth annual March Is Reading Month initiative led by Saginaw ISD under the coordination of Dennis Barlow (Career Navigator Consultant). Throughout the month, business leaders across the county have stepped into classrooms to inspire young readers, reaching 58 classrooms and approximately 1,450 students.

On Thursday, March 6, 2025, Ms. Holly Krenz from the Morley Company generously took time from her busy schedule to share a story with Ms. Dines’s 1st-grade class at Kempton Elementary.

Meanwhile, SVSU representative Jill Miller brought the joy of reading to Ms. Amanda Annear’s 5th-grade class at Arrowood Elementary.

Saginaw Career Complex is thrilled to announce a brand-new career and technical education (CTE) program for high school juniors and seniors interested in the world of insurance. Starting this fall, students will have the unique opportunity to kickstart their careers with an exciting new opportunity that could change everything.

Hosted at Frankenmuth Insurance, this program offers students a chance to earn 12 transferrable college credits through Northwood University while diving into the world of insurance. Students will work to earn their Associate in Insurance Services (AINS) designation. This designation is a prestigious credential that could set them up for success in the fast-growing industry of insurance.

This program features hands-on, work-based learning at Frankenmuth Insurance. The Insurance Leadership Academy will provide students with real-world experience and a competitive edge, which will prepare students for a variety of career opportunities in the insurance industry. The skills and qualifications earned through this program will give students a competitive advantage whether they plan to pursue higher education or enter the workforce after high school.

For more information, or to register a student, contact Amanda Koch at AKoch@sisd.cc

Mark your calendars! The final session of the Counselor and Career Readiness Teams' professional development series is May 14th, and you won’t want to miss it. This session will wrap up the 2024-2025 PD series with a Talent Tour! This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow educators, gain fresh insights, and leave with actionable strategies to support your students’ career exploration and growth. Stay tuned for more registration details and get ready to wrap up this series with a session full of inspiration and practical takeaways!

The Career Readiness PD series is designed to equip career readiness professionals with tools, resources, and strategies to better support students in preparing for their future careers.  Sessions include topics such as integrating career exploration into the school day, building connections with local businesses, guiding students to postsecondary options, and more.  The registration information for the upcoming sessions is included below.  Register now to secure your spot.  For more information, contact Amanda Koch at AKoch@sisd.cc. Together, let’s empower students to achieve their career aspirations!

Congratulations to Bridgeport Bearcat senior Angelina Gutierrez on being named Student of the Year! Angelina's dedication and involvement in countless clubs and organizations at Bridgeport High School have made a lasting impact. Her unwavering commitment to her peers and school community earned her the well-deserved title of Student Council President, a role she has worked tirelessly to achieve. Way to go, Angelina!

Riley Letterman of Birch Run High School has been honored as the Best of the Best Student of the Year! Riley’s passion for making a difference shines through her advocacy for students with disabilities, her involvement in choir, and her leadership as a youth ambassador. Her hard work and dedication inspire those around her—Congratulations, Riley!

Saginaw United Senior Michael Baldwin won the first-ever wrestling state title in school history! Michael, a senior, won the 175-pound Division I wrestling title at Ford Field by a thrilling 7-6 overtime tie-breaker. Congratulations, Michael!

These outstanding students exemplify leadership, dedication, and school spirit. We can’t wait to see what they accomplish next!

Youth Ambassador Program Cohort Four - History Day

On History-Themed Day, our youth leadership group embarked on an exciting journey through local history, visiting the Castle Museum of Saginaw County, Saginaw Art Museum, and Hoyt Library for a genealogy project! The day was filled with discovery as students explored artifacts, historical exhibits, and art that tied directly to their own family histories. The Castle Museum offered a deep dive into local history, where we learned the building started as a post office! The Saginaw Art Museum sparked creativity with its collection of works from different time periods and student activity.  While at the Hoyt Library, students accessed genealogy records, learning how to trace their roots and uncover fascinating stories from their past.

This immersive experience not only brought history to life but also gave students the tools to connect with their own family histories in meaningful ways. By combining research and exploration, they were able to see how history isn’t just something from the past—it’s something that lives on in each of us. This History-Themed Day was truly a memorable opportunity to engage with the past and gain a deeper understanding of the county’s rich heritage.

Students in the Careers in Education Program at the Saginaw Career Complex are making a difference. As part of their mission to increase awareness about the amazing services offered by the Public Libraries of Saginaw, they kicked off a fantastic community service project.

First, the students brought in a presenter from Butman-Fish Library to SCC, giving classmates the opportunity to learn all about the library's offerings — and even apply for library cards!

Then, the students took a tour of the library to deepen their knowledge and carried that enthusiasm over to Herig Elementary School, where they shared what they learned with curious fifth graders. SCC students read books checked out from the library and encouraged the elementary students to apply for their own library cards!

During the SCC Open House, students took it a step further by setting up a booth with information about the library's services and offering on-the-spot library card applications. It was a great opportunity to spread the word and connect even more people to the resources available at the library.

Fun Fact: Did you know that in addition to books, you can check out an ice cream maker or even a laser tag set from the library? How cool is that?

SCC students will lead the fifth graders on a walking field trip to Butman-Fish Library to use their brand-new library cards and explore all the amazing resources firsthand.

The students will be showcasing their impactful projects at the State SkillsUSA Competition! Everyone at SCC is so proud of their hard work and commitment to their community.

A big shoutout to these future educators for inspiring a love of learning and community involvement!