Students learn about programs offered at Jacobetti Complex

MARQUETTE — Faculty and students at Northern Michigan University’s Jacobetti Center welcomed 5th grade students from Cherry Creek Elementary School Tuesday morning as part of Career and Technical Education Month.

Eighty students had the opportunity to try out nine different programs, including cosmetology, industrial maintenance and electrical technology. This is the fourth year that NMU has partnered with Marquette Area Public Schools to give the students an introduction to these fields.

“A lot of these are two-year programs and a couple are four-year programs, and they can start learning about higher education at an earlier age so they can start planning a little bit different. They have an opportunity to be integrated into and start learning about it over the years,” said Dr. John Centko, the head of technology and occupational sciences at NMU.

New to this year’s visit was a car demonstration from NMU’s Baja Team and a hands-on activity with hospitality management.

“I feel like a lot of kids don’t get that exposure. All they get on TV is NASCAR and Indy racing, but there’s a whole other world of racing,” said Jake Carps, shop manager for the NMU Baja Team.

If you’re interested in learning more about these programs, the Jacobetti Complex is hosting a Career Exploration Open House on March 17th from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.