
The Manufacturing Career Technology (MCT) program at the Tech Center had three students, all seniors who took a second year of MCT to advance their skills, place in the top three for projects entered at the 2025 MITES State Competition in Gaylord. Several other students placed in the top eight in the state! Projects qualified to go to state after placing high enough at the regional competition in Rockford. Pictured in the photo left to right are: Ethan Everett (Otsego), Drew Kellerman (Otsego), and Ryan Burns (Plainwell).
MITES (Michigan Industrial & Technology Education Society) is an organization for educators and students in Michigan that focuses on various areas, with CTE being one of them. The mission of MITES is to empower students, teachers, and stakeholders to grow, lead, collaborate, and advocate for industrial and technological education and workforce initiatives. MITES hosts an annual student project competition each year. The students make projects in class on various machines using the skills they have learned while enrolled in the Manufacturing Careers Technology program. The projects are entered into categories depending on the complexity or type of project made.


BIG CONGRATULATIONS to Graphic Art & Design student Madeline Jonker (Martin) for winning the MI CEPD Council logo contest! Out of 107 entries from across the state, both Madeline and Lydia Athearn (Hopkins) made it to the top 10. In the end, it was Madeline's design that took the win! Her class even scored a well-deserved pizza part to celebrate!
The Michigan CEPD (Career Education Planning District) Council provides direction and planning for CTE (Career Technical Education) issues and works closely with the Michigan Office of Career & Technical Education on various initiatives. The council was looking for a new, creative design to be the face of their organization! The rules of the contest required that applicants must be enrolled in a Michigan state-approved CTE program and there were many specific rules for the design.


Building Trades 1 instructor Andy Bishop traveled with four students to the MITES State Competition, where they competed against 10 schools. The Allegan Tech Center Team included Aiden Troutner (PHS), Aidan Schwartz (HHS), Caiden Kuester (MHS), and Jacob Walters (OHS). The students receive the plans for the project at 5pm the night before the competition. The team and instructor then discuss and form a plan. The day of competition starts at 8am, and the team has 7.5 hours to complete the project. The instructor can only observe—no talking whatsoever to the students. This year 's project was a deer blind. Stay tuned to find out how they did!




📖✨ Take a sneak peek into the pages of the Peer Portrait book! 👀💫
From unforgettable faces to program pride, it’s all inside! 💥
Want to help keep the memory alive?
Grab your copy today for just $10 in the Front Office! 🏃♂️💨
Trust us—you’ll want to say, “I was there!” 💛
#PeerPortrait #SneakPeek #MemoryBook #AlleganTechCenter


We're Hiring an Automotive Technology Paraeducator! Join our team and make a difference! We’re seeking a Paraeducator to support high school students in our Automotive Technology program. This hands-on role helps students build technical and professional skills for life after graduation.
• Great pay & benefits; health insurance or cash-in-lieu, leave time, and State of Michigan retirement/pension options)
• 7 hours/day, 187-day work calendar
• Enjoy weekends, holidays, and summers off!
Learn more and apply online:
Visit www.alleganaesa.org > Job Opportunities
Questions?
Contact Joe Tenbusch at (269) 512-7800 or joe.tenbusch@alleganaesa.org


REMEMBER THESE FACES. KNOW THESE NAMES.
The "Peer Portrait" is here!!
Get your copy for just $10 - available in the Front Office starting 4/28!
Show some love to your peers, celebrate your community, and keep the memories alive!
#PeerPortrait #Allegantechcenter #RememberTheseFaces #KnowTheseNames


The Computer Information Systems (CIS) program built two custom computers (AM students and PM students) for their community service project. Their mission was to sell raffle tickets to students and staff, with the money raised being donated to "Gamers Outreach", an organization that makes gaming stations for hospitals for kids that are in long term care so they can have fun and a sense of normalcy during their stay.
The drawing for the two systems happened today!
The AM student winner was Madi Dendel, a Graphic Art & Design student! Fun fact, Madi won and she had only purchased one ticket! Watch the video where she won!
https://swmitech-my.sharepoint.com/:v:/g/personal/sam_sallee_alleganaesa_org/ESS1XTdtVFFBkrcjQwDK0SoB1TCBJUeKrdGjSiiJt2k_jA?e=kXAM8s
The PM student winner was Emry Witt, a CIS student! Emry waited until the second to last day available to purchase tickets - who says the early bird always gets the worm! Watch the video! https://swmitech-my.sharepoint.com/:v:/g/personal/sam_sallee_alleganaesa_org/EbFJve1ajXJDnrFVYYEN6oEBHtXf8hLzF7tS7_L6tn4OiA?e=PSLjtl
In total, the programs sold 215 tickets, raising over $1010 that will be donated. Great job and we hope Madi and Emry enjoy their computers and put them to great use.




Wait...Who's that? What's their name? What program are they from?
Now you'll know - thanks to Peer Portrait! Brought to you by the Graphic Art & Design program's 2nd Year students!
Huge THANK YOU to the amazing Tech Center staff and students for all their support in making this project happen!
Keep your eyes peeled - the Peer Portrait is coming YOUR way soon!


Come learn about a Dual-Enrollment opportunity with our partner, Lake Michigan College, here at the Tech Center. Classes can be built into the high school schedule! To be eligible you must have a 2.5 unweighted gpa. Get a jump start on your future and get enrolled for the Fall.


Spring Classes are starting soon! These are the last two classes of the school year. Sign up today!



The Building Trades 1 Program has finished the sheds for this year! First Come / First Served. Call 269-512-7800 if interested.


Invitations will be mailed to award recipients as the special day approaches.


Teacher Education would like to showcase Ellie Osterhaven!
Ellie has a talent for building relationships, is a natural in the classroom, and is passionate about special education! Keep up the good work!


Criminal Justice - Alumni Spotlight!
The Allegan Tech Center Criminal Justice program is for students who are thinking about careers as a Police Officer, Federal Agent, Probation Officer, Lawyer, 911 Dispatcher, etc. If you have questions about the program itself, please email instructor mark.lytle@alleganaesa.org. To talk about enrollment, please work with your local high school counselor.




Spring classes are starting soon! Our adult "Residential Construction" course starts March 18th. If you are considering the construction trade as a future career or want to learn new skills for "do- it- yourself" projects at home, we have the perfect class for you! See the flyer for details and call our Career Navigator, Allyson Salmon, to register: 269-512-7855.


🎉 Nominations are officially open! Help Us Celebrate Excellence in Education! 🎉
The 2025 Outstanding People for Education recognition is your chance to honor individuals who go above and beyond to make a difference in public education. From teachers and aides to bus drivers and attendants, custodians, and volunteers, this recognition celebrates the heroes who positively impact our schools and students. 🏆
💡 Who can you nominate?
Anyone supporting education—teachers, administrators, secretaries, support staff, bus drivers, custodians, and volunteers.
📅 Nomination Deadline: April 1, 2025
Let’s shine a spotlight on the incredible people making our schools a better place! Submit your nomination today and help us celebrate the heart of education: the people. ❤️
🔗 https://forms.gle/Pf7DcALcUAhH9uGa9
#OutstandingPeopleForEducation #CelebrateExcellence #EducationHeroes #MakeAnImpact

Alumni from our Building Trades program! This program is popular and is now partnered with the Wayland Union Carpenters & Millwrights Skilled Training Center to offer an apprenticeship program to interested students in Building Trades 2.
Today, 54% of jobs in Michigan require some skills training or certificate – more than a high school diploma but less than a four-year degree. If your job of interest falls into this category, explore your options with Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. #CTEmonth #CTEmonth2025





🌟 February is Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month®! 🌟
Join us in celebrating the hands-on learning, career exploration, and real-world skills that CTE programs provide at the Allegan Tech Center! From skilled trades and healthcare to culinary arts and engineering, our students are preparing for high-demand careers and bright futures.


Featuring a few alumni from our Graphic Art & Design Program!
CTE provides opportunities for high school and college students to explore careers, gain real-world skills, and find a path to a career they are passionate about.#ctemonth #ctemonth2025




Our last winter class is starting soon! Sign up today for Culinary and learn from the expert! Learn food preparation and culinary skills to show off to family and friends or build foundational skills to enter the restaurant/culinary industry.
