Northwest Education Services | View as Webpage

News for students, families and friends | April 2025

Welcoming Spring

While the spring season brings thoughts of new beginnings, we cannot forget that each spring marks the end of high school for nearly half of our Career Tech student body. At Career Tech, spring ushers in a new season of scholarship interviews, competitions and awards nights. Our staff could not be more excited for our graduating seniors as they interview with us to earn scholarships from the North Ed Foundation and other local organizations. From Tools of the Trade Awards to Academic Scholarships, and NTHS scholarships to the Leadership Challenge Scholarship, hundreds of seniors engaged in the interview process with our staff. Collectively, we are truly impressed with this year’s applicants.

Furthermore, with two important Career Tech events on the horizon, I’d be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the importance of all of our stakeholders in helping us wrap up another historic school year. First, Spring Advisory on April 16 will be a great opportunity for our staff and students to collaborate with industry leaders at the Park Place Hotel and Conference Center. And second, our annual Awards Night on May 27 is a fantastic opportunity for us to acknowledge our scholarship recipients, competition winners, award winners and Outstanding Students in front of family and friends at the Grand Traverse Resort. Both of these events offer us the time and space to mark the conclusion of our seniors' high school careers and celebrate their many successes.

As we begin to close the book on Career Tech’s 49th school year, I remain as impressed and as proud as ever of our students and their accomplishments.

Respectfully,

Pat Lamb

Northwest Education Services

Career & Technical Education Assistant Superintendent

National Technical Honor Society Induction

On March 13, Northwest Education Services Career Tech National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) was proud to induct 68 new members during a ceremony at the Dennos Museum. Students honored with membership met the following standards: 

• Maintain a grade of B or better in their program
• Be recommended by their Career Tech program instructor and a staff member from their home high school
• Complete a minimum of 10 hours of community service per semester
• Demonstrate good citizenship at Career Tech, their home high school and community

This spring, NTHS members will serve North Ed Career Tech by coordinating the annual campus clean up, hosting a blood drive and honoring instructors with activities during Teacher Appreciation Week.

Career Fair Reflection

On Thursday, April 3, we welcomed over 90 regional employers into our campus for a Career Fair with all Career Tech students. Thank you to each of these business and industry partners and postsecondary and military recruiters who participated in this year’s Career Fair by providing real world job exposure and professional interactions with our students. We also extend our gratitude to Jimmy John’s and Chick-fil-A for donating breakfast and lunch for our visiting business partners. We look forward to hearing stories from all the connections made at our 2025 Career Fair!

Check the Student

Job Board

Did you know there are employment opportunities posted on the Career Tech website? Check it regularly for job postings in Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska and Leelanau counties. Current students and recent graduates are encouraged to apply. 

Career Tech Enrollment How-To

Career Tech Pre-Registration Application

Students who would like to attend Career Tech may complete a Career Tech Pre-Registration Application for the 2025-2026 school year, which is located on the North Ed Career Tech website.

High School Counselor

Students who fill out the Career Tech Pre-Registration Application must also notify their local high school counselor that they are seeking Career Tech enrollment.

Notification

In May, local high school counselors will notify students whether they have secured a spot in a Career Tech program. New enrolled students will receive letters by mail in August inviting them to Career Tech orientations on Aug. 26 and 27, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Late enrollment will continue through mid-September for programs that still have openings at that time.

Questions

If students have questions about Career Tech enrollment, speak with a high school counselor or contact our Career Tech school counselors:

Barry Bialik, bbialik@NorthwestEd.org 

Karmin Olds, kolds@NorthwestEd.org

Jumpstart Your Degree with North Ed Early College

Students who enroll in the following North Ed Career Tech programs are eligible to apply for admission into the Early College program:

Get a strong start with North Ed Early College. You'll be on the road to a college degree, professional training and career readiness while saving time and tuition money. Learn more and apply at northwested.org/early-college by May 23.

Engineering Academy Puts the E in STEM

It's recruiting season at Career Tech's Engineering Academy, so spread the word to high school sophomores and juniors who want to get the engineering edge. Students interested in learning more about and applying to Engineering Academy are encouraged to visit.

• Visits can be scheduled with Michael George at mgeorge@northwested.org
• Students must complete the 5-step process listed on the Application website. This includes their contact information, academic background information, extra-curriculars, Letters of Recommendation (2), and a written Commitment Statement. Click the application link below. 
• All application components listed above must be completed by April 21, 2025. 
• Students will be contacted for an interview by the Engineering Academy instructors following application review.

Spring Advisory Meeting

The North Ed Career Tech Annual Spring Advisory meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at the Park Place Hotel and Conference Center, starting with breakfast at 7:30 a.m. Over the past several years, we are thrilled to have added new programs and, as some of our longtime advisory members will notice, we will be gathering in a new venue this year to accommodate all programs and the growing community involvement of our advisory committees. Thank you to all committee members for offering continued improvement and support to each of our 22 Career and Technical Education programs.

Career Tech Counselor Notes - Student Wellness

by Laura Miller, LMSW

Being a high schooler in today’s fast-paced world is no walk in the park. From academic pressures, social and work obligations to dealing with social media, it’s understandable why the high school experience can take a toll on many students. At North Ed Career Tech we offer the help students might need to allow them to stay on a path that’s conducive to their academic aspirations, social goals and overall well-being. 

If you notice your student becoming withdrawn, acting more tired than normal, showing declining academic performance, seeming especially anxious or worried, or showing other concerning changes in behavior, you can try these strategies to show your child that they have support: 

• Be open. Let them know that they can talk with you when they’re struggling, and offer a focused, nonjudgmental perspective. 
• Be a good example. Eating well, exercising, and practicing calming techniques can all show your child that it’s OK to put effort into maintaining well-being. 
• Reach out for help. You won’t know how to handle every problem your child brings your way, and that’s OK. The Career Tech counseling team is available to provide you with support and resources if you need them. 

Cool Tech Camp

Cool Tech Camp returns June 24-26 with 14 exciting course options for current 5th, 6th or 7th grade students to explore Career Tech programming at an age appropriate level. If your middle schooler is interested in learning more about Career Tech, experiencing engaging instruction, or just having some good old-fashioned fun, check out our camp offerings at CoolTechCamp2025.eventbrite.com

Campers will register for one course for all three days. Sessions run from 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. Space is available on a first come, first served basis. For more information contact Maggie Johnson at 231.922.6322 or msjohnson@northwested.org

Northwest Education Services

Career Tech

880 Parsons Road, Traverse City, MI 49686

Tel. 231.922.6273 |  NorthwestEd.org