The Board of Directors of the Shiawassee Economic Development Partnership (SEDP), the economic development organization serving Shiawassee County, recently voted to endorse the Shiawassee Regional Education Service District (RESD)’s request for a Career & Technical Education (also known as Vocational Training) millage that will be on the August 2nd election ballot.
The one-mill proposal, which would cost the average area homeowner a little more than $5/month, would support current programs in automotive services, automation technology, criminal justice, culinary, electrical, health science, teaching, and also possibly add new in-demand skills like welding. All area high school students would be eligible to participate, with funding helping to centralize classes for easier access (no specific location has been determined yet) and help provide transportation to students to get there. It is important to note that this does not affect any programs already offered by individual local school districts.
Benefits for students who participate career & technical education include:
- Free college credit
- Industry recognized credentials
- Field trips, job shadowing and work experiences
- Leadership and community service opportunities
- Mock interviews, resume writing
- Teamwork, collaboration, and problem-solving activities
“We continually hear from area businesses and residents about the huge need to help our young people develop skills for future employment, and this millage will go a long way in addressing it,” said Shiawassee Economic Development Partnership President/CEO Justin Horvath. “We already have a great partnership with the Shiawassee RESD and look forward to collaborating with them and local companies to help ensure this is successful in creating some great career opportunities for our youth,” Horvath added.
If any area businesses/organizations would also to support the initiative, or have further questions, please contact Horvath at 989-725-9241 or jhorvath@sedpweb.org.