Student Learning Takes Flight in Washtenaw
Ypsilanti Middle School students explore careers through field trips to local employers
More than 100 Ypsilanti Middle School students visited local employers from December 15-17 as part of their capstone experience for the new From Curiosity to Career pilot program. Students visited Liebherr Aerospace, Coleman A. Young Airport, Toyota Motor North America Research and Development, Zoller, and Gene Butman Ford.
“From Curiosity to Career equips students to explore different career pathways within advanced manufacturing, such as aviation, automotive engineering, welding, and more,” explained Dr. Ryan Rowe, Director of CTE at the Washtenaw Intermediate School District (WISD).
During the nine-week instructional series, middle school students learn from student ambassadors who are enrolled in Washtenaw County state-approved CTE programs. These students and local industry experts mentor middle school students as they work on hands-on projects at school. Each week features a different career pathway. At the end of the program, students choose which pathway sparked their interest the most and then they visit a local employer in that industry with their family.
Rowe continued, “Learning about aviation and how a helicopter works is one thing, but actually riding in a helicopter for the first time in your life is a game-changing experience not only for students, but also their parents. This experience leads to discussions about what post-secondary opportunities are available from being a pilot, an aircraft mechanic, a flight attendant, or an air traffic controller.”
From Curiosity to Career was made possible thanks to grant funding from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), and will also be piloted in Lincoln Middle School and Ann Arbor’s Scarlett Middle School later this school year. The program will be expanded in the 2026-27 school year thanks to passage of the recent WISD Career Technical Education (CTE) millage.
“We are excited to welcome students and their families into our world-class facilities in Ann Arbor,” shared Meg Wallace, Consultant at Toyota Motor North America Research and Development. “We are invested in our community in so many ways, including through From Curiosity to Career and our Driving Possibilities program. We want the next generation of leaders to see themselves in innovative STEM careers like those offered at Toyota here in their backyard.”
That sentiment is shared by other business and industry partners. “Southeastern Michigan is a hub for a lot of up and coming industries, including drone aviation. When students can step into these environments, ask questions, and picture themselves in the work, something powerful happens,” said Ramone Crowe, Jr., CEO of Aerospace Career Pathways. “From Curiosity to Career gives young people the chance to see that these careers are real, reachable, and right here in their community. Experiences like this build confidence, spark curiosity, and help students understand that their interests today can turn into a meaningful career tomorrow.”