Western Michigan University and Grand Rapids Public Schools are partnering to bring students an educational opportunity.
The agreement will allow GRPS students who are interested in integrated design and manufacturing to complete a Western Michigan University certificate at no out-of-pocket cost.
“Our partnership with GRPS is an impactful way to help high school students discover potential meaningful careers in the field of manufacturing and design,” said WMU-Grand Rapids Director Joanne Roehm.
The program is a two-year dual-enrollment situation for the students, who will spend their school days at the Advanced Manufacturing Partnership Laboratory, 200 Ionia Ave. SW. The AMP Lab is a collaboration between WMU, Grand Rapids Community College, Autocam Medical and West Michigan manufacturers.
The AMP Lab opened in 2018 and was designed to help address the shortage of skilled trades workers in West Michigan. The $2.7 million facility was funded through private investment and the Michigan Economic Development Corp.
The first set of GRPS students in the program began this semester, with another group ready to begin in spring 2023. The AMP Lab Gift Fund covers the cost of the books, material and transportation, while WMU’s Early College Programs will run the program and provide extra student support.
“This is yet another opportunity for our scholars to gain exposure in modern manufacturing,” said Jason McGhee, principal at GRPS’ Innovation Central High School. “The hands-on experiences in labs coupled with the rigor of a university curriculum will allow our scholars to make a smooth transition into the workforce or significant progress toward a four-year degree.”
GRPS students were first exposed to the AMP Lab during field trips and will now use the asset to jump into manufacturing and design careers.
“To be able to link our initial field trips to dual enrollment and give students the opportunity to work toward earning a certificate that will propel them into the workforce at a step above entry level or as a springboard to quickly complete a WMU or Grand Rapids Community College degree is an absolute game-changer for students,” said Kimmy Beuchler, director of early college programs at WMU Merze Tate College, which is collaborating with WMU-Grand Rapids and the WMU College of Engineering and Applied Sciences on the GRPS program.
