Kalamazoo RESA Career Connect

18/07/2026

Last week, our MyCITY participants stepped beyond the classroom and into the heart of our community as they tackled the Kalamazoo Food Tour team project.

During Career Exploration Day, they explored Downtown Kalamazoo through a scavenger hunt, visiting Matcharía, Factory Coffee, Cherri's Chocol'art LLC, and City Centre Market & Deli.

Participants engaged with the community as their project roles of chefs, event planners, and marketing specialists by asking thoughtful questions and learning how local businesses shape the culture and identity of our city.

16/07/2026

We need your help!

Our Work-Based Learning (WBL) team is looking for employer partners to help play a vital role in helping 29 students bridge the gap between the classroom and the workplace.

We are specifically looking for partners in these industries for the 2026-27 school year to host a WBL Capstone Intern:
-Construction Trades (Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC)
-Computer Programming & Networking
-Supply Chain
-Veterinary Science

Students in our Capstone program have:
-Completed at least one year of their Career & Technical Education (CTE) program.
-Been recommended by their instructor based on their technical skills and readiness.
-Successfully completed a competitive application process.
-Maintained at least 90% attendance.
-Demonstrated strong employability skills that have been assessed and verified.

If you or someone you know would be interested, reach out to WBL Coordinator, Dawn Pincumbe, at: [email protected]

15/07/2026

💙We Are Wednesday💙

Meet Renee Hammond, a Career Development Consultant! For two years, Renee has been bringing career exploration and financial literacy to students across Kalamazoo County.

Whether she is running Reality Fairs, in the Discovery Lab, collaborating with local partners, or doing so much more, Renee designs interactive experiences that introduce personal finance and career exploration to students.

Renee's favorite moment happened at a Reality Fair at Vicksburg Pathways, where a student finished her budgeting simulation and excitedly declared, "I’m going to have the best life ever!" It’s a perfect reminder of how empowering financial independence can be.

Outside of work, Renee is fascinated by bats! She has several bat houses in her yard and loves tracking their echolocation calls on late-summer walks.

Thank you, Renee, for helping our students prepare for a successful future from day one!

13/07/2026

Kalamazoo County educators, ready to transform career exploration? 🚀

Join us for the Xello Summit on Aug 18, 2026 from 8 a.m. to noon at the KRESA Service Center.

Earn 4 SCECHs, win prizes, explore new Xello features, and hear from incredible keynotes from Xello Success and Stryker.

Register now using the link in the comments!

12/07/2026

Join our Career Connect Team!

There are several positions open including:

-Administrative Assistant for EMC Compliance
-Technical Assistant for Veterinary Science
-Technical Assistant for Exercise Science and Rehabilitation
-Patient Care Technician Technical Classroom Assistant
-Administrative Assistant
-Administrative Assistant - Receptionist

Apply today using the link in the comments!

11/07/2026

Our CareerNOW Skilled Trades and Healthcare cohorts spent the last two weeks taking learning on the road!

They went on industry tours where they could ask questions, explore workplaces, and experience careers up close.

Thank you to our partners at Beacon Health, Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Kalamazoo Electrical Training Alliance, IBEW Local 131, Hi-Tech Electric Company, and Local 357 Plumbers and Pipefitters HVAC-R for sharing these experiences with our learners!

09/07/2026

Thank you, Arbor Financial Credit Union, for your partnership and support in transforming futures!

We're honored to be recognized by Kalamazoo RESA Career Connect as one of their 2025–2026 Partner Appreciation Raffle winners! 💚

"Arbor Financial Credit Union has made a lasting impact on KRESA Career Connect by supporting Reality Fairs that teach budgeting basics, volunteering for mock interviews and MiCareerQuest, and serving as valued advisors on our Financial Literacy and Business advisory committees. Their team consistently shows up with a smile, encouragement, and a genuine commitment to helping students build confidence and prepare for their futures."
– KRESA Career Connect Team
Thank you, KRESA, for this recognition and for the opportunity to help students build confidence, develop real-world skills, and prepare for bright futures ahead. 🌟

09/07/2026

Kalamazoo educators and counselors: Ready to level up your career readiness content? Join us for the 2026 Xello Summit!

At this event, you'll learn more about Xello a college and career-readiness tool that helps students map out their futures. Grab fresh resources, giveaways, and SCECH credits!

🗓️ Tuesday, August 18, 2026 | 8 AM – 12 PM
📍 Kalamazoo RESA Service Center

RSVP today using the link in the comments and share with any educators you know!

06/07/2026

Meet our MyCITY Masterclass participants!

They braved the heat last week on a tour of Western Michigan University's campus. That didn't stop them from staying engaged and asking a bunch of questions.

Thank you, Todd Mora with the Haworth College of Business and Western Michigan University Office of Admissions ,for an incredible tour!