Programs
All students deserve an experience like this.
In Washtenaw County, students have access to CTE programs housed in their local districts, hosted by other consortium districts, or countywide opportunities. WISD and local districts are working collaboratively to expand access and build a cohesive PreK-12th grade system.
Program Examples
Elementary School
- Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Launch - hands-on STEM curriculum that blends computer science, engineering, biomedical science, and more.
- Uncharted Learning - project-based entrepreneurship curriculum that is connected to industry-based skills and a real-world environment.
- FIRST Robotics
Middle School
- Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Gateway - hands-on STEM curriculum that explores skilled trades, coding and robotics, flight and space, human body systems, and more.
- Uncharted Learning - project-based entrepreneurship curriculum that is connected to industry-based skills and a real-world environment.
- FIRST Robotics
- From Curiosity to Career - a WISD initiative that introduces middle school students to advanced manufacturing concepts through nine, one-week units.
High School
- Electives - introductory courses that prepare students for state-approved CTE programs.
- State-approved CTE programs - 1- or 2-year programs designed to prepare high school juniors and seniors for college, career training, or the workforce in high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand pathways. Washtenaw County districts currently offer 80 total state-approved CTE programs.
- B.E.S.T. Leadership (Business, Entrepreneurship, Sports Management, and Tourism) - a capstone experience for seniors who have completed a CTE program. This full-year program includes a paid internship and dual enrollment in a WCC certificate program at no cost to families.
Michigan Career Development Model
The Michigan Career Development Model (MCDM) is a framework, guided by legislation, that engages school communities, students, and their support networks in intentional and meaningful career awareness, exploration, and preparation for all students.
The MCDM model is divided into grade bands for early childhood, elementary, middle school, high school, and postsecondary. It defines learning targets and themes for each grade level, as well as strategies to incorporate career development activities into instruction. Career development is designed to assist students in answering the following questions:
- Who am I?
- Where am I going?
- How will I get there?
- Who can help?
