West Michigan Center for Arts + Technology - WMCAT

08/14/2026

👀 🥂🎨 Save the date: Studio Sips is BACK! 👀 🥂🎨

We can't wait to welcome you all into to WMCAT — Join us for a creative night out with friends on Wednesday, October 21 from 5 - 7 p.m.. More details to come soon! Until then, you can use the code EARLY BIRD for $10 off each ticket (valid thru 9/1).

Tickets available here: http://weblink.donorperfect.com/studiosips2026

08/12/2026

"'I don't know" is a good place to start."

Are you ready to join a group of young adults ready to find their next steps? Enrollment is open until MONDAY August 17 for Step Year at WMCAT.

This tuition-free college + career exploration program guides young adults 18-24 through self-discovery, connections to employment pathways in a variety of sectors, and building social capital.

Pictured: Myies and River, two alum from the spring 2026 Step Year cohort, at the community Mix + Mingle in May. At the conclusion of weekly meetings, participants are invited to share and showcase their plans for the future with friends, family, and community partners.

Full info and eligibility available at wmcat.org/stepyear

08/10/2026

Heads up! We'll be closed Wednesday and Thursday of this week for our annual staff retreat. Normal business hours will resume on Monday, August 17th.

08/04/2026

>>> This could be YOU in just a few months! Enroll in our Step Year for fall 2026 and discover your next steps alongside a group of peers.

Step Year is for you if...
🌟 You're between ages 18 to 24
🌟 You live in Kent County
🌟 You have a high school diploma or GED
🌟 You have not yet earned a bachelor's degree

Step Year is a tuition-free unique mix of college and career exploration, self-discovery, and connections to employment pathways in a variety of sectors.

Explore more here: https://wmcat.org/stepyear/ — enrollment ends on 8/17, apply today!

07/13/2026

Find your next with Step Year at WMCAT 🧐 Spring 2026 Step Year participant Isaiah, [pictured] recently unveiled his next‑step strategy — a visual snapshot of the future he’s building.

Step Year is a unique mix of college and career exploration, self-discovery, and connections to employment pathways in a variety of sectors. The program is tuition-free and is open to young adults ages 18-24 who have a high school diploma or GED but have not yet earned a bachelor's degree, and live in Kent County. Participants walk away from the program with a plan for their next steps.

Does this describe you or someone you know? Explore our website for full info about the Step Year experience and how to enroll in the program for fall 2026.

07/10/2026

Three WMCAT teen artists recently completed a commissioned project people will see for years to come: the donor wall at the Central Station Early Childhood Center.

Digital illustration students Sarai, Zoey, and Eliott, worked alongside WMCAT teaching artist George Eberhardt, to design the piece. The wall celebrates our region with a homage to the Grand River, native animals, the city skyline, and a city bus — while recognizing the donors and partners who made the center possible. For these three students, it's also a testament to the fact that their creative voices have a place in the world beyond the classroom.

This new YMCA facility will serve up to 100 children and includes nine classrooms, an indoor playroom, and two outdoor playgrounds. 💓

07/07/2026

ICYMI: WMCAT has two open full-time positions! We're hiring a director of arts + tech and a communications manager. Applications for both roles will be reviewed starting next week. Join our team!

Details at wmcat.org.

07/02/2026

Hey y'all! We're making space for our next cool project — and that means we are cutting prices on the remaining inventory of our student-designed 20th anniversary merch! These designs were created by WMCAT teen alumni, Anala Millbrooks and Jordan Peters.

All proceeds from sales support WMCAT programs and mission. To purchase: https://west-michigan-center-for-arts-technology.square.site/

06/29/2026

As we reflect on another year of WMCAT’s cybersecurity pathway, we’re grateful for our cybersecurity community partners who helped make this work possible: Acrisure, Consumers Energy, LMCU, Comcast NBCUniversal, and Corewell Health. Their support played a vital role in expanding access to high-demand careers and helping students develop the leadership skills, technical knowledge, and professional connections that support long-term success. Thank you, community partners, for helping to build meaningful pathways for students to step confidently into new careers!

Applications for the 2026–2027 Cybersecurity Pathway remain open through July 9! Prospective students — and partners — are invited to learn more about WMCAT’s tuition-free cybersecurity pathway: https://work.wmcat.org/enrollment

06/25/2026