Career Counseling Weekly Update

Monday- NHS TUESDAY- AHS WEDNESDAY- LP THURSDAY- RHS FRIDAY- REMOTE

Brad Minton and I had the opportunity to present at the Detroit College Access Network's yearly Conference on EMU's campus last week. We shared information and resources on the 21st-century workforce. Here are some takeaways from the DCAN Conference:

• MIStudent Aid updates

• Fostering Futures program benefits from $3000 to $5000. If you know of a student who was/is in foster care, please share this information with them.

• The website will be getting a facelift in the near future. Some new bells and whistles will be added. Please be on the lookout for updates.

• FAFSA Cafe

• Great idea to increase FAFSA completion. Students sign up for an appointment, come in, and enjoy a hot cocoa or coffee while completing their FAFSA.

• Connect with your school store or other organizations that would be willing to provide the space and beverages.

• A great quote from a presenter, " College is a launchpad, not a finish line". This is a reminder for us to focus on career exploration first and determine how the student will reach those career goals through training or educational programs.

This is Deyana. She's a 2024 grad. Deyana originally worked with me and was referred to Brad last year. I got her connected with a Mentor at WCCCD, where she's pursuing a degree in Dental Hygiene. This year, she decided to give back and become a mentor herself. She's been doing great academically and balancing work. She recently received an amazing opportunity while working toward getting into her program through DPSCD. She was offered a position as a Project Manager working as a liaison of sorts for some of their CTE programs. She actually served as an ambassador for MFG Day last week. Great kid with a bright future. 🎉

Wayne RESA's Career Counselors & Postsecondary Success Navigator bring up-to-date information to help students with career & postsecondary planning. This fall edition includes a career awareness on being a Dietitian Nutritionist, opportunities for students to get involved in career related activities, includes our new “Ask a Career Counselor section”, and provides resources to assist with choosing a career and completing the financial aid process. With the support of our local schools, we aim to provide resources leading to career and postsecondary success for all Wayne County students.

Don’t miss the 2025 STEM Pathways into Insurance Conference with Insuring MI Future, where you’ll discover exciting pathways into insurance careers. Hear directly from tech leaders, rising young professionals, and higher education experts on how students can launch into this dynamic field!

https://www.pathtopro.com/free-training/

Brad recently had the chance to meet Jamie Harris, the CEO of DSDT College. DSDT is an accredited career and technical college with campuses in Detroit, Michigan, and Killeen, Texas. Programs focus on hands-on training in fields like IT, cybersecurity, digital marketing, AI, and Machine Learning, and, starting in January, they will also offer MRI Tech. Programs are short-term (many under a year) with flexible online, in-person, or hybrid options.

A few interesting things of note:

• This is cool. They have NUMEROUS offerings for students to get exposure and explore tech-based jobs through individual courses, some of which are free or relatively cheap: https://learn.dsdt.edu/

• They accept FAFSA and the MI Achievement Skills Scholarship

• They embed business/entrepreneurship into program projects

• They have a partnership with Walsh College to accept credits and continue towards Bachelor's degrees.

• Their curriculum is constantly evolving with employer-driven feedback.

Jamie was very friendly and easily accessible if you have questions:

Jamie Harris, CEO

DSDT College

1759 W. 20th Street Detroit, MI 48216

4301 E. Stan Schlueter Loop Bldg. #1 Killeen, TX 76542

E: Jamie@dsdt.edu

M: 248-756-0805

W: 888-688-4234

www.dsdt.edu

https://www.acementorsemi.org/

Jasmine joined our Workforce Development Dept. We met last month and shared an amazing opportunity for your students. I'm happy to share more information and resources with anyone on your staff who might be interested in learning more.

What is the ACE Mentor Program?

The mission of the ACE Mentor program is to engage, excite, and enlighten high school students about pursuing careers in architecture, engineering, construction, and the skilled trades through mentoring and to support their continued advancement in the industry. It is a free, award-winning, after-school program where students work in teams guided through the design of a Project by their architect, engineer, and construction management mentors. Mentors will guide the students as they work towards their final design, introducing them to the careers, industry vocabulary, and various roles companies play in the

construction industry.

If your school is interested in learning more about this FREE, in-person/Online program, please contact For more information about the ACE Mentor Program of Southeast Michigan, please reach out to Program Coordinator, Jasmine Sisson at 313.421.1331 or jasmine.sisson@wsp.com.

Where did the summer go? October is almost here, and that means the launch of Michigan College Month! This marks the official start of College Bound Michigan, MCAN's three-part initiative to help schools and community-based organizations prepare students for postsecondary education. Don't remember if you've signed up? You can check this list of registered sites.

If you haven't signed up yet, it's not too late! Click HERE to get your school or organization registered.

What do veterinary nurses do?

Veterinary nurses play a vital role in animal care and research in numerous ways. For a peek into the daily life of a veterinary nurse, check out this video. MSU Veterinary Nursing applications open October 1. Students can schedule a visit.

Dear Educator,

On behalf of the Michigan Construction Career Days (MICCD) Advisory Board, I’m excited to invite you and your students to the 2026 Michigan Construction Career Days, taking place in-person on Wednesday, April 29, and Thursday, April 30, 2026, at the Operating Engineers 324 Construction Career Center in Howell.

This event is a powerful opportunity for 7th-12th grade students to:
✅ Get hands-on with real construction equipment
✅ Explore career paths in the skilled trades and construction industry
✅ Connect directly with professionals who are building Michigan’s future

📅 Mark your calendars now—registration will open at the beginning of January. This past year, MICCD reached maximum capacity before the end of January, so be sure to submit your registration form early to secure your school’s spot. (Supporting documents, like the certificate of liability insurance, can always be submitted later.)

Keep an eye out for my January email with the registration packet and full event details.

If you have any questions in the meantime, please don’t hesitate to reach out—I’d be glad to help.

We look forward to welcoming you and your students to MICCD 2026!