MUSKEGON, Mich. — Muskegon Public Schools (MPS) is set to receive a $2 million grant from the federal government to expand the district's career exploration programming for students and adults.
MPS plans to use the money to build to open a first-of-its-kind Career Exploration Center on the soon-to-open Charles Hackley Middle School campus.
U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) secured the grant money for MPS in the bipartisan government funding bill for this fiscal year.
“It’s important that we provide our young people with both the skills and career education needed to land a job in a field that’s right for them,” said U.S. Senator Gary Peters. “As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I was proud to support funding for the construction of the Career Exploration Center, which will help students at Muskegon Public Schools explore the different career opportunities available after graduation and allow them to begin planning for their futures.”
The grant will enhance the partnership between MPS and Ford Next Generation Learning, a collaborative community-driven organization that helps prepare students for college, careers and leadership.
The Career Exploration Center will serve students in grades 6 through 10 to be more prepared for careers after school.
“We appreciate Senator Peter’s efforts to advocate for Muskegon Public Schools,” said Matthew Cortez, superintendent of Muskegon Public Schools. “The Career Exploration Center focuses on exposing MPS students to various careers during grades 6 through 10.”
MPS is planning on partnering with local union education facilities to create realistic experiences for students.
The $2 million grant will also be used in part to create similar programming for adults. The district said they are working with local unions and businesses to create evening adult employment training.
“Our primary responsibility is to all of the students and families in our district,” adds Cortez. “Utilizing our facilities to enhance everyone's lives and create community prosperity is a core foundation of our partnership with Ford NGL. By partnering with businesses and our community organizations, we can work together to help all students know what they are doing the Monday after graduation.”
The new Career Exploration Center will be debuted to the public on May 2 at 5:15 p.m.
►Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now.
Have a news tip? Email news@13onyourside.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Watch 13 ON YOUR SIDE for free on Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Apple TV and on your phone.
