MARESA Career and Technical Education program wins state award

What’s happening: The local intermediary school district of Marquette Alger Regional Educational Service Agency (MARESA) was recognized by the Michigan Community Service for the 2022 Governor’s Service Awards. The agency was the only Upper Peninsula group to win the Youth Services Impact Award, which recognizes those who make significant effort to go above and beyond for young Michiganders.

What it is: MARESA was recognized for its Career and Technical Education program, which supports the Marquette-Alger Technical Middle College, the Geometry in Construction STEM program and the career exploration resource, which helps recruit and retain young talent as they leave high school and head into the work force. Working with Northern Michigan University, numerous technical certificates like welding have been started while in high school and finished after graduation. Others have found internships in healthcare, industry and more. 

What they’re saying: “We are proud to recognize this remarkable group of Michiganders who are an inspiration when it comes to helping others,” said Michigan Community Service Commission Executive Director Ginna Holmes. “Their service has strengthened communities and made our state more resilient.”

Finding the funding: MARESA is the only intermediary school district in the Upper Peninsula to not collect a tax for its CTE program. While other ISDs use millages, MARESA has found more than $765,000 in direct funding for the programs. It also uses volunteer support to maintain any plans and efforts used with students already enrolled. Some 50 volunteers work to continue the CTE that ranges from Grand Marais to Gwinn.