Kent ISD Programs

Kent Career Tech Center

11, 12

3.0 credits

The Kent Career Tech Center, (https://www.thetechcenter.org) is an educational service of the Kent Intermediate School District. KCTC enrolls more than 2,000 students from over 60 public and private high schools each year.  The Center provides students with quality training in over 20 career and technical programs, including core technical training, academic integration and alignment with post-secondary education.  Upon completion of their training, students are assisted by counselors and work-based learning coordinators in finding employment and in exploring further educational opportunities.

Programs within KCTC are grouped together in clusters of common occupational groups in order to maximize interaction and develop a core of common skills.  Clustering serves the functions of a career exploration experience, multiple occupational preparations, job entry preparation and/or a prelude to higher education.  Classes are designed around work environments and emulate real-world applications.  Lab instruction emphasizes computers and technology.

Students interested in attending KCTC should see their high school counselor for additional information.  We require prospective students to attend a visit to KCTC prior to enrollment. Exploration of KCTC is best during the 10th grade school year. Application and counselor approval required.

●    Classes meet 5 days per week throughout the school year

●    1st session:     6:55 am – 9:10 am

●    2nd session:    9:15 am – 11:30 am

●    3rd session:         12:00 pm – 2:15 pm

Students earn three credits per year for successful completion of course requirements.  Most programs offer articulated and direct college credit as well. Students that successfully complete a Career and Technical Education program may waive the second credit of World/Foreign Language and the third credit of Science required by the Michigan Merit Curriculum (MMC) per MCL 380.1278a & b.  VPAA and OLE: All Kent Career Tech Center programs meet the Michigan Merit Curriculum VPAA and OLE requirements.

●   No tuition is charged.

●  Round trip bus transportation between the high school and KCTC will be available, barring any unforeseen circumstances.

●  Main campus is located at 1655 East Beltline NE, Grand Rapids Michigan, with various satellite campuses for specific programs located throughout Grand Rapids.

LAUNCH U

https://www.kentisd.org/students/launchu

This hands-on early college program was created in collaboration with Grand Rapids Community College to offer students the opportunity to earn a tuition-free general Associate Degree, or a specialized Associate Degree in Mechanical Design. Beginning in 10th grade, students interested in a career toward business, healthcare, hospitality, human resources or information technology could pursue a general Associate Degree. Courses for the general Associate Degree cover topics such as government, psychology, statistics and public speaking. Students who love to take things apart and understand the mechanical world can begin a career path providing industry connections and skill certificates by pursuing the specialized Associate Degree in Mechanical Design. By taking a combination of high school and college courses, students earn both a high school diploma and Associate Degree (general or Mechanical Design) in just one year after high school. Upon completion of an early college program, students may directly pursue a career or continue with higher education.