Local Stories - Hands-On Learning, Real-World Futures at KRESA Career Connect
More than 1,500 students, families and community members filled the halls of the Career Connect campus on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, for the annual open house hosted by Kalamazoo RESA. The event showcased how the Career Connect program is helping high school students across Kalamazoo County discover their strengths, explore career pathways and build plans for life after graduation.
Career Connect, a secondary program of Kalamazoo RESA, serves all nine public high schools in the county. According to Executive Director Sarah Mansberger, the mission is simple but powerful: create meaningful career opportunities that help students better understand themselves and the world of work.
“At Career Connect, our goal is to increase students’ self-awareness and option awareness,” Mansberger said. “Who are they? What’s out there in the world of work? And what’s their next step after high school?”
Students attend full-year classes for two hours at a time, engaging in hands-on, industry-driven learning. Transportation is provided by local school districts, making the program accessible to students throughout the county. Career Connect staff also collaborate with districts at the building level to integrate career exploration earlier in students’ educational journeys — starting in elementary and middle school.
The campus offers 22 course areas across nine career pathways. Programs range from construction trades, automotive and transportation to health sciences, supply chain and design, culinary arts, veterinary science and horticulture. Each course is designed in partnership with industry experts, giving students direct access to professionals and exposure to current, cutting-edge technology.
“We want students learning directly from industry experts using technology that’s relevant right now,” Mansberger said. “They’re developing meaningful, industry-recognized skills that truly set them apart.”
In an era when families are increasingly concerned about the rising cost of higher education and the growing impact of artificial intelligence on the workforce, Career Connect leaders say the program equips students with durable, “AI-proof” skills — hands-on, technical and problem-solving abilities that remain in high demand.
The open house gave attendees the opportunity to tour labs and classrooms, meet instructors and current students, and explore the wide range of programs available. For many families, it was a first look at the new campus and a chance to see potential career pathways come to life.
For those who were unable to attend, community tours are still available. Students interested in enrolling are encouraged to speak with their school counselors and visit the program’s website for more information about classes and application details.
With growing community support and strong industry partnerships, Career Connect continues to expand opportunities for Kalamazoo County students — helping them explore who they are, discover what they can become and leave high school with a clear, confident plan for the future.
