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Summer camp can be more than fun and games—it can be the first spark of a future career. This week, Wilson Talent Center launched summer camps that gave younger students hands-on experiences in Sports Medicine Training and Care & Confidence, while current WTC students stepped into mentorship roles to help guide the next generation of learners.

A trip to the national stage turned into an unforgettable accomplishment for Wilson Talent Center Criminal Justice students. Representing mid-Michigan at the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference in Atlanta, students showcased their skills alongside peers from across the country—with one student earning an impressive top-20 national finish.

For Heartwood School students, a recent Special Olympics Track & Field event was about much more than competition. It was a day filled with teamwork, cheering, personal victories, and moments that celebrated the hard work students have shown throughout the year. The event provided opportunities for athletes of all abilities to participate, compete, and shine.

Summer break should not mean worrying about where the next meal will come from. Through Michigan’s Meet Up and Eat Up program, children and teens 18 and under can access free meals at participating locations across local communities—no registration or paperwork required. Michigan’s summer meal programs are designed to help bridge the nutrition gap while school is out. 

For students in Spartan Project SEARCH, learning goes far beyond the classroom. Through hands-on internships at Michigan State University, young adults are building workplace skills, confidence, and independence—one real-world experience at a time. Spartan Project SEARCH combines classroom instruction with year-long internship experiences to help prepare students for meaningful employment and greater independence.

At Ingham ISD Play & Learn Groups, learning looks a lot like fun. Through play, art, stories and shared experiences, young children and their caregivers are building important skills—and meaningful connections along the way.

Professional learning doesn’t stop after onboarding. Recently, members of Ingham ISD’s Pupil Accounting team attended the Michigan Pupil Accounting & Attendance Association Spring Conference to strengthen knowledge, build connections and bring back insights that support schools and students across the region.

Career exploration doesn’t start after high school—it starts with curiosity. Recently, Stockbridge Jr./Sr. High School eighth graders visited Wilson Talent Center to experience real-world career programs and begin imagining what their futures could look like.

Graduation season is about more than ceremonies—it’s about preparing students for what comes next. Recently, Wilson Talent Center students in the Criminal Justice and Cybersecurity & Digital Forensics programs celebrated senior send-offs filled with recognition, encouragement, and lessons from professionals already working in the field. At Wilson Talent Center, students gain hands-on experience across 20 career-focused programs designed to help them build real-world skills and confidence for life after high school.