October is Michigan College Month!
As we celebrate the opportunities that higher education offers, we encourage all students to explore their options and envision their future. This month, take the time to discover the diverse pathways available to you- from community colleges to universities and vocational training to apprenticeships- empower yourself with knowledge.
Research your options: explore different colleges, programs, and career paths that align with your passions and goals.
Utilize resources: take advantage of workshops, college fairs, and counselors who can provide valuable insights.
Connect with peers: engage with fellow students to share experiences and advice.
Your decisions today can shape your future. Embrace this moment to learn, grow, and find the path that’s right for you.
There are still a few spots available for both AM and PM sessions at Van Buren Tech's Play & Learn Preschool! Give your child the opportunity to grow, explore, and learn in a dynamic environment. For details, contact Melissa Tepool at mtepool@vbisd.org or 269-539-5316.
The Back to School Open House is on Monday, September 23rd, from 5:00PM to 7:30PM
We are looking forward to welcoming students back on Tuesday, August 27!
Congratulations to Creed Rayborn from Van Buren Tech’s Graphic Design program! Creed won 1st place at the Kalamazoo Valley Community College Art and Design Competition Exhibit for “Stars Animatic” animation, winning a $500 prize!
Sawyer Blanchard from Van Buren Tech’s Graphic Design program won 3rd place for “Refractions” digital art, winning a $100 prize.
Andrew Blomeke's design was selected as the winner of the 2024 Career Camp logo contest. His design, celebrated for its vintage, trendy, and fun aesthetic, brought back nostalgic memories for the judges and secured his victory. With Career Camp just around the corner, Van Buren Tech looks forward to welcoming local middle school students to show the diverse opportunities available at Van Buren Tech.
Print Design student, Andy Parish, was awarded the Emerging Artist Award in the 2024 High School Community Student Art Exhibition held by Berrien RESA, Box Factory for the Arts, and Krasl Art Center for five entries demonstrating a range of discipline. Andy entered five works demonstrating creativity and skill in the printmaking mediums of cyanotype, drypoint etching, screen printing, and collage. Andy was awarded $500 and one of Andy’s works was professionally framed as part of the award. There were 21 schools represented and more than 800 entries in this exhibition. Congratulations to Andy Parish!
Van Buren Tech's Finance, Investment & Technology program recently teamed up with the Cyber Security & Computer Network Technology roster for an unforgettable experience at the University of Michigan. The highlight of their visit was a private tour of the iconic Michigan Stadium, where students explored the exclusive club seats, team locker room, player tunnel, and even had the chance to toss a football on the field, soaking in the atmosphere of the home of the 2023 National Champions. Following the stadium tour, the students embarked on a walking visit across several prestigious University of Michigan departments. They explored the Ross School of Business, School of Law, Department of Statistics, Department of Social Work, and Department of Education, among others. This comprehensive tour provided the students with valuable insights into various academic disciplines and a glimpse into the opportunities that await them in higher education.
The Allied Health Technologies program hosted a successful free health screening event, demonstrating their commitment to the community's well-being. Under the supervision of healthcare professionals, students conducted various screenings such as blood pressure checks, BMI measurements, cholesterol screenings, and glucose testing. The event not only provided valuable health assessments and information but also supported student learning and community wellness.
SAVE THE DATE: Thursday, February 1st, 2024
Van Buren Tech's Cosmetology program will be hosting a grand reopening of their newly remodeled salon. Make plans to attend this event from 3:30-6:30pm
Make plans to attend a Family Fun Night at the Lawrence Conference Center on Saturday, December 16, 2023. (5pm-8pm) Students from Van Buren Tech's Early Childhood Careers & Education program will be hosting this event for their Family, Careers, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) project. ALL proceeds will be donated to We Care.
COMING SOON: Monday, December 11, 2023, 5pm-7pm
Mark your calendars for the 10th/11th grade Family Open House at Van Buren Tech.
Local 10th grade visits will be the week prior to the open house. We hope all of the families join us at the open house to explore CTE programs and our facilities, meet VBT instructors, and discover the VBT difference!
Back to School Parent Night is coming up! Make plans to attend on Monday, September 25th. 5:30-8:00pm
Emily Davison (Paw Paw HS) and Katelyn Jewett (Bloomingdale HS) are Graphic Design students at Van Buren Tech and have also been working as paid co-op students for Mrs. Brittany (Van Buren Tech’s Marketing & Communications Specialist). They have done an extraordinary job of designing logos, creating graphics, and helping promote Van Buren Tech. They recently visited Midwest Family Broadcasting’s studio to meet and record with News Talk 94.9 WSJM, 98.3 The Coast, and COSY 103.7! Emily will be attending KVCC and Katelyn will be attending Michigan State University upon graduating. Both students will be focusing on graphic design and marketing in college.
Five students from Van Buren Tech's Patient Care program tested and passed the State of Michigan CNA written & skills exam. Thanks to Van Buren Tech's training and funding, they are now Certified Nursing Assistants!
Congratulations to Katherine Brennen from South Haven HS, Ray Sherrill from Paw Paw HS, Raven Ledesma from Hartford HS, and Kylie Chau from Mattawan HS (Pictured left to right)
Not pictured: Alex Robles from Lawrence HS
Happening tomorrow- May 10, 2023. Van Buren Tech is hosting its highly anticipated annual event, Mock Disaster. VBT students work with local industry professionals and actors to create a real-life scenario that challenges them in hands-on realistic training. Each year, the Mock Disaster scenario is kept a secret from all staff, students, and industry professionals. This ensures students are properly assessed on how quickly they are able to react and perform under pressure in the event of an emergency. The scenario is designed to teach students how to respond, assess damage, activate resources, and quickly recover.
If you're a local resident: Do not be alarmed by the overwhelming amount of fire, law, and EMT presence, as it is simply a drill.
Isabella Stroud, a Van Buren Middle College and VBT Patient Care student from Hartford High School, will be participating in the Aspirnaut Summer Research Internship this summer with the University of Michigan. This six-week program hosts student interns on U of M's Ann Arbor campus where they work with a team of life science researchers, conduct their own research project, and gather results that contribute to real-life cutting-edge research. We are so proud of Isabella for taking part in this wonderful opportunity and wish her the best of luck!
Van Buren Tech is hosting the Michigan Industrial and Technical Education Society (MITES) Regional Competition and Van Buren Tech STEM Showcase: May 4-6. The Region 5 MITES competition will involve local school districts from Van Buren, Berrien, Cass, Kalamazoo, and St. Joseph counties. Students will compete in a variety of events such as architectural drafting, graphic arts, mechanical drawing, plastics, woodworking, and more! Come view students' work on May 5th from 9am-6pm and May 6th from 9am-12pm.
Happy National Teacher Appreciation Day!
"A good teacher can inspire hope, ignite the imagination, and instill a love of learning." -Brad Henry
Congrats to the following students in the Patient Care program that completed their first CNA Clinical Rotation at Bronson Commons in Mattawan, MI on Monday, April 10 and Tuesday, April 11.
(Left to Right): Katherine Brennen (South Haven HS), Ray Sherrill (Paw Paw HS), Jenna Garcia (Lawton HS), Alexandria Robles (Lawrence HS), Kylie Chau (Mattawan HS), and Raven Ledesma (Hartford HS)