Kent Career Tech Center Automotive Technology Program Receives Excellence in Practice Award
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Kent Career Tech Center Automotive Technology program has been selected as winner of the 2025 Career and Technical Education Excellence in Practice Award: Student Assessment by the Michigan Department of Education. The award was given to this program for exemplifying the highest standards in preparing Michigan’s students for postsecondary education and careers.
“This is a true honor for our Automotive Technology program, the program instructors, and the students,” said Kent Career Tech Center principal Craig Weigel. “We’re so proud to have this program recognized for its excellence in preparing students for careers in automotive repair with real life, real learning experiences.”
Students in the program focus on maintenance and light repair in their first year and electrical systems and brakes in the second year working hands-on with a variety of vehicles, earning certifications and engaging in Work-Based Learning. Students undergo performance evaluations twice each year by an advisory committee of current automotive professionals. These evaluations include timed tasks like brake replacements completed to industry standards. According to the 2022-23 Secondary Annual Performance Evaluation, 66.2% of KCTC’s Auto Tech students earned postsecondary credentials, far surpassing the state average of 7.5%. Students also participate in high level Work-Based Learning in local dealerships – taking their learning to local workplaces.
The Tech Center’s Automotive Technology team was recognized with the 2025 Career and Technical Education Excellence in Practice Award: Student Assessment on Monday, January 27 at 9:00 a.m. at Amway Grand Plaza in Grand Rapids.
Kent Career Tech Center offers nearly 30 unique programs and career pathways for high school juniors and seniors who get hands-on experience in high-tech interactive labs while having the opportunity to earn high school, tech school and college credit. Each program prepares students for success in career and college. The public is invited to explore the interactive labs and programs at Kent Career Tech Center and meet instructors and current students at their Open House, February 5 and 6 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The Tech Center is located at 1655 East Beltline NE in Grand Rapids.
Please direct media inquiries to Joy Walczak, Kent ISD Communications Specialist at joywalczak@kentisd.org or 906.632.6290.
