A Commitment to Hands-On Learning and Workforce Readiness
Michigan City Area Schools is dedicated to providing students with the skills and experiences they need to succeed in high-demand careers. It oversees the LaPorte County Career and Technical Education (CTE) program, a regional educational program that offers hands-on learning and career preparation for high school students in LaPorte County. The program provides students with the skills and certifications they need to succeed in a wide range of industries, whether they plan to enter the workforce directly, continue their education at a post-secondary institution, or pursue apprenticeships. It serves approximately 350 juniors and seniors from seven surrounding high schools: LaPorte, Michigan City, New Prairie, South Central, Tri-Township, Westville, and New Buffalo. Recognizing the growing demand for skilled professionals, Michigan City Area Schools embarked on a transformational journey to expand its CTE facilities, providing students with modern, industry-relevant training opportunities.
The Vision: A State-of-the-Art CTE Campus
With a $13.6 million investment, the district developed the LCCTE South Campus, a cutting-edge facility designed to support hands-on learning in multiple career pathways. This new campus houses programs in:
- Automotive: The facility includes a secure transaction area where students can gain experience interfacing with customers who bring vehicles to the facility for service.
- Health Careers: Includes simulation medical bed stations in the Health Academy lab to prepare students for real-world conditions.
- Construction
- Criminal Justice
- Early ChildhoodSmart Manufacturing
- Welding
Additionally, the project included the creation of a Pre-K program. This new facility is home to the Little Wolves Early Learning Center, a preschool that integrates early childhood education training with real-world applications for CTE students.
Completed in August 2024, just in time for the Fall 2024 semester, the LCCTE South Campus represents Michigan City Area Schools’ unwavering commitment to preparing students for the workforce. By creating modern, hands-on learning spaces that align with industry needs, the district is equipping students with the tools and knowledge to thrive in their chosen careers. This investment in education and workforce development ensures that students across LaPorte County and beyond have access to the best possible resources for career success.
