Van Buren Technology Center

About VBTC:

"Initially seen as an alternative to college, the "Van Buren Skills Center" opened its doors in 1976 with a primary focus of preparing students to immediately enter into the workforce. Over the past 40 years, times have changed and so has the name and the educational focus within the walls of the Van Buren Tech. Today's CTE programs provide a multi-faceted training experience, utilizing high-tech equipment and training, in combination with project and work-based learning, to assist students as they explore career options, prepare for college, and develop skills for the workplace. 

Students can leave the Van Buren Tech with up to 60 college credits, a state or national license/certification, and advanced skills that employers are looking for!

 Each year, over 1,000 high school juniors and seniors from 15 partnering school districts throughout southwest Michigan, choose to attend the Van Buren Tech for a portion of their school day. The flexibility in program offerings at VBTC allows students to maintain their affiliation with their "home school," while pursuing opportunities to work with educational and technical resources that would otherwise be unavailable. "

How to attend Van Buren Technology Center

• Pass all of your classes. You have to be considered a Junior or Senior in order to attend, this means you must have a minimum of 12 credits.

• Participate in your class lessons with the School Counselors. These lessons help you narrow down your career interests to help choose a program that is the right fit.

• Choose a program that aligns with your EDP.  Priority is given to students who have documentation showing they are interested in programs that align with their career interests and post-secondary plans. 

• Visit ALL programs you are interested in. 

  • Middle School Students (completed grade 6, 7, or 8) have an opportunity to attend different career camps in the beginning of summer. 

  • We take all students in grades 8 and 10. 

  • Take advantage of additional opportunities in grades 10 & 11 such as VB Tech Open House (usually in Dec) and individual visits during the school day (scheduled through your School Counselor).