MUSKEGON, Mich. – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) has secured a $2 million grant for Muskegon Public Schools to open a first-of-its-kind 6-10 Career Exploration Center on the soon-to-open Charles Hackley Middle School campus.
As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Peters ensured that several Michigan organizations and initiatives received funding from the bipartisan government funding bill for Fiscal Year 2024. The grant to MPS will aid the district in its partnership with Ford Next Generation Learning (Ford NGL), enhancing its career exploration programming for students in grades 6 through 10 and initiating adult training programming for the community.
“We appreciate Senator Peters’ efforts to advocate for Muskegon Public Schools,” said Matthew Cortez, superintendent of Muskegon Public Schools. “The Career Exploration Center focuses on exposing MPS students to various careers during grades 6 through 10.”
MPS will partner with several local union education facilities and other sources to construct realistic student experience modules. These experiences will aid the students in transitioning into high school and deciding which Ford NGL academy to join to pursue their careers.
“It’s important that we provide our young people with both the skills and career education needed to land a job in a field that’s right for them,” Peters said. “As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I was proud to support funding for the construction of the Career Exploration Center, which will help students at Muskegon Public Schools explore the different career opportunities available after graduation and allow them to begin planning for their futures.”
Currently, the district is working in partnership with local unions and employers in the area to allow for evening adult employment training. This training could result in apprenticeships and working options to make a livable and sustainable wage.
“Our primary responsibility is to all of the students and families in our district,” adds Cortez. “Utilizing our facilities to enhance everyone’s lives and create community prosperity is a core foundation of our partnership with Ford NGL. By partnering with businesses and our community organizations, we can work together to help all students know what they are doing the Monday after graduation.”
The Center will be located on the campus of the district’s newest school, Charles Hackley Middle School. It will have a community debut May 2 at 5:15 p.m.
