Middle schoolers learn about potential careers based in the UP

MARQUETTE, Mich. (WLUC) - Middle schoolers got a closer look at future careers they could pursue in the U.P. on Monday.

Marquette and Alger County eighth graders attended Marquette-Alger RESA’s 2nd annual CTExtravananza at Northern Michigan University’s Jacobetti Complex. Ishpeming Middle School student Ben Meyer says he hopes to learn more about mechanics since it’s a big part of his family.

“My dad’s a business owner of mechanic shops, so I’m very excited to learn a little bit more about that,” Meyer said. “We race snowmobiles in the winter, and my brother races a truck in the Midwest Truck Series, so we’re surrounded by it a lot.”

Students learned about a variety of professions from communications to engineering. MARESA CTE Director Erich Ziegler says the goal is to keep talent in the U.P.

“The Upper Peninsula is a place that means a lot to me and a lot to its residents, and our most valuable resource is our children, and just being able to give these eighth graders a chance to see what they could do in their future,” Ziegler said.

Classrooms held over 50 local professionals who shared what a day-in-the-life looks like at different jobs to help guide students on a potential path. Ziegler believes in school-community partnerships and getting involved with youth in a positive way.

“It takes a village,” he said. “It’s an old adage, but it’s true to where we’ve got great students, we got great teachers, and families and schools, and this is one more where we’re trying to connect community with these students.”

Aspen Ridge Middle School student Greyson Foster wants to become a real estate agent. Still, he says it’s interesting to see everything someone can do in the community.

“It’s nice to know what can happen, and if it weren’t, you may not know you’ve been missing out on your dream job,” Foster said.

Both students say they’d love to pursue a career in the U.P.

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Middle schoolers learn about potential careers based in the UP

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