Van Buren Tech

Van Buren Tech Van Buren Tech has over 25 CTE programs that prepare students for a variety of postsecondary options. Success Starts Here!

Welcome to Van Buren Tech, a proud affiliate of the Van Buren Intermediate School District (VBISD)! Our mission is "to empower students to progress toward their life goals" as we deliver exceptional Career and Technical Education (CTE) that empowers students with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in their future careers or college endeavors. With over 25 diverse CTE programs, Van Buren

Tech offers hands-on learning experiences and the opportunity to earn industry-recognized certifications and college credits that seamlessly transfer to various colleges and universities. We don’t view ourselves as an alternative to college but as a vital pathway to achieving both academic and career goals. What We Offer:
-College Credit: Earn college credits while still in high school.
-Applied Learning: Gain practical experience through project-based learning.
-Integrated Academics: Combine academic knowledge with technical skills.
-High-Tech Training: Work with the latest equipment and industry-relevant training.
-Michigan Merit Credits: Fulfill graduation requirements with us.
-Industry Credentials: Obtain valuable credentials recognized by employers.
-Workplace Skills: Develop essential skills needed for the workforce.
-Work-Based Learning: Experience real-world work environments.
-Student Organizations: Join CTE student organizations for enhanced learning and leadership.
-Scholarships: Access various scholarship opportunities to support your journey.
-National Technical Honor Society: Join a prestigious honor society for outstanding technical students. Van Buren Tech serves around 1,000 11th and 12th grade students from across Van Buren County. Students split their day between their local high school and Van Buren Tech, with classes available in both morning and afternoon sessions. We collaborate with 15 school districts, offering state-approved CTE programs. Transportation is provided, and there are no fees for attending our classes! Sign Up: If you haven’t enrolled yet, reach out to your local high school counselor to sign up. Whether you join us for one or two years, we’re excited to help you achieve your goals and look forward to seeing you succeed.

Van Buren Tech recently welcomed local middle school students for another successful week of Career Camp. Throughout the...
06/13/2026

Van Buren Tech recently welcomed local middle school students for another successful week of Career Camp. Throughout the week, campers explored a variety of career pathways through engaging activities led by Van Buren Tech instructors.

Across the different camp offerings, students designed and launched rockets, created chocolate designs using SOLIDWORKS and 3D-printed molds, explored wellness concepts and patient care, experimented with plastics and manufacturing processes, and used laser engraving technology. They also participated in emergency response scenarios and experienced the power of a fire hose firsthand. Other campers worked with computer hardware and software, including coding; learned basic vehicle maintenance; practiced cosmetology techniques; designed and created book covers; and explored marketing and business concepts by developing products and services, creating logos and commercials, learning how businesses operate, and presenting their ideas in a Shark Tank-style competition.

Career Camp gives students the opportunity to try new skills, explore potential career interests, and gain experience beyond the traditional classroom setting. Most importantly, campers had fun while learning alongside their peers and instructors.

We are proud to provide opportunities that encourage early career exploration and help students begin thinking about their future goals. We look forward to seeing many of these students return to Van Buren Tech in the years ahead as they continue to pursue their interests and develop their talents.

Welcome to our newest cohort of Van Buren Middle College students. This week, students are participating in College Succ...
06/11/2026

Welcome to our newest cohort of Van Buren Middle College students. This week, students are participating in College Success Bootcamp, a college readiness experience designed to help bridge the gap between high school and college and support a smooth transition into their college journey.

Throughout the week, students have participated in a variety of team-building activities with their classmates and mentors. Through timed LEGO challenges, they strengthened their communication, creativity, and problem-solving skills while creating projects that reflected their goals, expectations, and potential college-related challenges.

Students also participated in origami and other collaborative exercises focused on teamwork, critical thinking, and communication. These activities provided opportunities to connect with classmates, build relationships with mentors, and develop skills that will support their success in the Middle College program.

Over the next three years, this group of students from across Van Buren County will have the opportunity to earn up to an Associate's Degree for FREE while still in high school. We can't wait to see all they accomplish!

Van Buren Tech kicked off summer with a western-themed sendoff to celebrate and recognize this year’s retirees. Staff ga...
06/09/2026

Van Buren Tech kicked off summer with a western-themed sendoff to celebrate and recognize this year’s retirees. Staff gathered to enjoy root beer floats and honor the dedication, hard work, and impact these individuals have made throughout their careers at Van Buren Tech.

Please join us in congratulating:

Dave Anderson – 38 years of service
Rick Boze – 21 years of service
Sue Dent-Rhodes – 27 years of service
Jason Forler – 23 years of service
Bill Nelson – 18 years of service
Sue Kucharski – 8 years of service

Collectively, these retirees have dedicated 135 years of service to Van Buren Tech. Thank you for your commitment, contributions, and lasting impact over the years. We wish you all the best in retirement and in the next chapter ahead.

Fourteen students have been selected by the Van Buren Tech Scholarship Committee to each receive a $2,000 Lakeview Found...
06/05/2026

Fourteen students have been selected by the Van Buren Tech Scholarship Committee to each receive a $2,000 Lakeview Foundation Scholarship for the 2024-25 school year. Each recipient lives in or attends school in Eastern Van Buren County, has maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, demonstrated a commitment to serving their community, and is pursuing a non-healthcare-related field at a postsecondary institution. The scholarship is renewable for the 2025-26 school year if students maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher during their first semester and submit the renewal application and transcript.

We would also like to thank Mary Ann Middaugh, Vice President of the Lakeview Foundation and President of the Van Buren Intermediate School District Board of Education, for visiting Van Buren Tech to personally congratulate the recipients.

2024-25 Lakeview Foundation Scholarship Recipients

* Halle Bigelow – Careers in Education, Gobles
* Eva Charron – Cosmetology, Paw Paw
* Amara Christenson – Agriculture and Natural Resources, Paw Paw
* Zachary Danes – Engineering & Architectural Design, Bloomingdale
* Joel Garcia – Engineering & Architectural Design, Hartford
* Rober Huaracha-Rivera – Software Engineering, Hartford
* Moses Krause – Cybersecurity & Computer Network Technology, Hartford
* Daniel Northrup – Engineering & Architectural Design, Decatur (not pictured)
* Madison Osborne – Careers in Education, Paw Paw
* Preston Pries – Engineering & Architectural Design, Hartford
* Emma Reynolds – Careers in Education, Bloomingdale
* Derek Ruimveld – Marketing, Sales & Business, Lawton
* Gustavo Santiago-Hernandez – Construction Trades, Hartford
* Joshua Stewart – Engineering & Architectural Design, Mattawan (not pictured)

Congratulations to these students on this well-earned recognition, and thank you to the Lakeview Foundation for investing in the future of Van Buren Tech students.

We are excited to announce the recipients of this year’s Van Buren Tech Cluster Scholarships, generously funded by the W...
06/04/2026

We are excited to announce the recipients of this year’s Van Buren Tech Cluster Scholarships, generously funded by the West Michigan Education Research and Development Foundation (WMERDF) and the Van Buren Tech Scholarship Committee.

Applicants completed a comprehensive application process that included a resume, essay, and interview with the Van Buren Tech Scholarship Committee. Scholarships were awarded in two tiers, $1,000 and $500, to outstanding students representing each of our four career clusters.

Please join us in congratulating this year’s scholarship recipients. Their hard work, dedication, and accomplishments have earned this recognition, and we look forward to seeing all they achieve in the future.

Physical Technology Cluster

* $1,000 – Gavin Joslin (Engineering Design & Architectural Design, Mattawan) (Not pictured)
* $500 – Thomas Solis (Construction Trades, Hartford)

Health Sciences Cluster

* $1,000 – Allie King (Patient Care, Bloomingdale)
* $500 – Marcel Stork (Sports Medicine, Mattawan)

Information Technology Cluster

* $1,000 – Madison Dibble (Graphic Design, South Haven)
* $500 – Leo Bainbridge (Print Design, Paw Paw)

Human Services Cluster

* $1,000 – Emma Reynolds (Careers in Education, Bloomingdale)
* $500 – Daisy Herbert (Cosmetology, 13th Year Program)

We would also like to thank Chris Rice, Executive Director of the West Michigan Education Research and Development Foundation (WMERDF), who visited Van Buren Tech to congratulate the recipients and learn more about their future goals. His continued support helps make these scholarship opportunities possible.

Pictured in the group photo (left to right): Leo Bainbridge, Chris Rice, Marcel Stork, Emma Reynolds, Daisy Herbert, and Thomas Solis.

After three years of hard work, dedication, and hands-on learning, these students have successfully completed 1,500 hour...
06/01/2026

After three years of hard work, dedication, and hands-on learning, these students have successfully completed 1,500 hours of training and reached an important milestone in their cosmetology journey.

Surrounded by family, friends, instructors, and supporters, students were recognized for their commitment, growth, and accomplishments throughout their journey. As they prepare for state licensure testing and begin the next chapter of their careers, we are proud of all they have achieved.

Congratulations to this talented group of graduates. We look forward to seeing the impact they make in the beauty industry.

For 50 years, Van Buren Tech has changed lives, created opportunities, and built connections that extend far beyond time...
05/28/2026

For 50 years, Van Buren Tech has changed lives, created opportunities, and built connections that extend far beyond time spent here. VBT is also honored to receive a proclamation from South Haven Mayor Annie Brown recognizing five decades of lasting impact at Van Buren Tech.

Tonight’s 50 Year Celebration brought together generations from the Skills Center, Vo-Tech, Technology Center, and Van Buren Tech chapters, with students, staff, community members, VBISD Board of Education, and district leadership in attendance to celebrate the lasting difference across Van Buren County and beyond.

One word mentioned throughout the evening was “opportunity.” Van Buren Tech continues to provide opportunities for every student, no matter what path they choose, and helps prepare them for successful futures.

We were honored to welcome former staff members who traveled from across the country to attend today’s event, reflecting the meaningful difference Van Buren Tech has made over the past five decades. Guests had the opportunity to tour the building, reconnect with classmates and colleagues, and see Van Buren Tech's continued growth over the years.

The evening concluded with an exclusive Staff Legacy Hour, where former and current staff members shared memories, reflected on Van Buren Tech’s history, and celebrated the relationships and contributions built over the last 50 years.

During the Staff Legacy Hour, speakers reflected on Van Buren Tech’s growth over the past five decades, the importance of educators in shaping success, and the lasting connections formed through the programs and experiences here. One common theme throughout the evening was pride in seeing how Van Buren Tech has evolved and excitement about what the next 50 years will bring.

A special thank you to Kurbside Food Truck, The Mobile Crave, and Sweet Stacks & Sodas Locas for being part of this milestone celebration, and to our Culinary Arts & Catering Management program team for preparing desserts for the Staff Legacy Hour.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this celebration memorable as we honored 50 years of Van Buren Tech.

Van Buren Tech is celebrating 50 years of Career and Technical Education in Van Buren County, and we are excited to welc...
05/26/2026

Van Buren Tech is celebrating 50 years of Career and Technical Education in Van Buren County, and we are excited to welcome everyone tomorrow.

Join us on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM for our 50-Year Celebration Open House. This event is open to former staff, former students, current students, community members, and anyone who would like to stop by and enjoy the evening with us. Guests are welcome to tour Van Buren Tech, view program showcases and student displays, and purchase food from the on-site food trucks.

Food Trucks On Site (Food Available for Purchase):

* Kurbside Food Truck
* The Mobile Crave
* Sweet Stacks & Sodas Locas

From 6:00 to 7:00 PM, we will host our Staff Legacy Recognition Hour, which is exclusive to current and former staff and their guests. This portion of the evening will include a 50-Year Recognition, an opportunity to share memories, and a dessert bar.

Reconnect, reflect, and celebrate 50 years of impact at Van Buren Tech.

Last chance to RSVP is today:
https://site.corsizio.com/event/69d3df93fd52002c54b53ed3

Van Buren Tech 50 Year Celebration

Location: Van Buren Tech, 250 South St, Lawrence, MI 49064064

Congratulations to the 2026 13th Year Middle College Graduates from Lawton!Lawton Schools Lawton High School Lawton Comm...
05/20/2026

Congratulations to the 2026 13th Year Middle College Graduates from Lawton!

Lawton Schools
Lawton High School
Lawton Community Schools

Congratulations to the 2025 13th Year Middle College Graduates from Gobles!Gobles Public Schools
05/20/2026

Congratulations to the 2025 13th Year Middle College Graduates from Gobles!

Gobles Public Schools

Address

250 South Street
Lawrence, MI
49064

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