B.E.S.T. Leadership
Business, Entrepreneurship, Sports Management, & Tourism
Program Summary
This program is open to rising seniors in Washtenaw County who have successfully completed a CTE program and are looking for a capstone experience to prepare for college and/or career. This full-year program includes a paid internship and dual enrollment at no cost to families.
This opportunity is proudly supported by Destination Ann Arbor in support of the future leaders in Business, Entrepreneurship, Sports Management, and Tourism in Washtenaw County.
Internship
BEST Leadership students will enter an “earn and learn” internship with a business aligned with their CTE pathway.
Certification
BEST Leadership students will earn one of these certificates (6-12 credits) through Washtenaw Community College:
- Entrepreneurship Essentials
- Human Resources Essentials
- Management (General)
- Sports Management
- Social Media Management
- Supply Chain Essentials
Next Steps
Students can continue at WCC in the pathway for additional credentials and an Associate Degree in Management.
3-Semester Business Certificates
2026-27 School Year at Washtenaw Community College
Entrepreneurship Essentials Certificate
This 9-credit certificate will prepare the student to start a business venture by examining the vital tools needed to support a small business opportunity. Students will develop business and financial plans, a business website, and pitch their ideas.
- BMG 101 - Finding Your Opportunity (Fall 2026, On Campus)
- BMG 109 - Starting Your Business (Winter 2027, On Campus)
- BMG 209 - Running and Growing Your Business (Summer 2027, Online)
Management Certificate
This 12-credit certificate will provide students the tools to manage an operation which includes developing goals, organizing work activities, promoting desired employee performance, and monitoring productivity with a customer focus. Emphasis will be placed on developing skills that will involve both a critical and creative approach to management problem-solving activities.
- BMG 230 - Principles of Management (Fall 2026, On Campus)
- BMG 273 - Managing Operations (Winter 2027, On Campus)
- BMG 279 - Organizational Management (Winter 2027, On Campus)
- BMG 291 - Project Management (Summer 2027, Online)
Human Resources Essentials Certificate
Interested in a career in HR? Interested in some quick credentials to serve you on the job? In this 9-credit certificate program, students will learn basic human resources principles that promote organizational success and obtain a valuable résumé credential.
- BMG 230 - Principles of Management (Fall 2026, On Campus)
- BMG 279 - Organizational Management (Winter 2027, On Campus)
- BMG 240 - Human Resources Management (Summer 2027, Online)
Supply Chain Essentials Certificate (2 semesters)
This 6-credit certificate is a great way to get started in the world of supply chain and logistics! You'll learn the basics of how products move from manufacturers to customers and gain real-world skills that employers are looking for. Plus, when you finish, you’ll be ready to take two nationally recognized certification exams: the Certified Logistics Associate (CLA) and the Certified Logistics Technician (CLT).
- BMG 181 - Introduction to Supply Chain Management (Fall 2026, On Campus)
- BMG 182 - Warehouse and Logistics (Winter 2027, On Campus)
Social Media Management Certificate
This 9-credit certificate provides an immersive and focused curriculum aimed at preparing issues for a dynamic and rapidly evolving digital landscape. In this comprehensive program, students delve into the strategic and tactical aspects of social media management, gaining essential skills required to excel in the realm of online communication, branding, and marketing.
- BMG 202 - Social Media Storytelling (Fall 2026, On Campus)
- BMG 203 - Social Media Management (Winter 2027, On Campus)
- BMG 204 - Social Media Analytics (Summer 2027, Online)
Sports and Entertainment Management Pathway
Start your Sports and Entertainment Management pathway in high school and continue your studies at WCC. Credits will count towards the Sports and Entertainment Management Certificate or Degree and can transfer to EMU and UM–Dearborn bachelor’s programs.
- BMG 165 - Introduction to Sports and Entertainment Management (Fall 2026, On Campus)
- BMG 166 - Sports and Entertainment Communications and Public Relations (Winter 2027, On Campus)
- BMG 230 - Principles of Management (Summer 2027, Online)
Workforce Partner Information
Overview
Washtenaw ISD, with support from Destination Ann Arbor and Washtenaw Community College (WCC), is excited to offer this capstone experience for high school seniors who have successfully completed a Career Technical Education program. This one-year program includes dual enrollment leading to a relevant certification through WCC, enhanced by a paid work-based learning experience aligned with their career pathway.
Student Benefits
- Practice career-ready skills and receive feedback from industry professionals.
- Practice and learn technical skills through on-the-job training that compliments their CTE experience.
Employer Benefits
- Connect with future talent interested in your industry and eager to learn from you over the course of a year.
- Conduct an extended, performance-based interview with a student that could lead to a future, full-time opportunity.
- Utilize a flexible employee willing to cross-train in different areas to support seasonal or varying staffing needs.
Employer Responsibilities and Expectations
- Collaborate to determine a work-based learning schedule of at least 10 hours per week during the school year and pay the student a at least $15 per hour.
- With WISD support, identify work projects that align with the student’s CTE pathway and their dual enrollment coursework, equipping them to apply their skills and knowledge.
- Provide a safe and secure environment and offer meaningful mentorship and evaluation.
- Provide workers’ compensation and liability insurance coverage.