On December 3, students across mid-Michigan stepped into the future—literally—at the MiCareerQuest Capital Area career exploration event. Held in partnership with Capital Area Michigan Works! and Teach. Talent. Thrive. (T3), this hands-on event welcomed over 2,000 students for a full day of discovery, connection, and inspiration.

Unlike a typical career fair, MiCareerQuest delivered real-world experiences. Students didn’t just hear about jobs—they tried them. From operating tools and testing equipment to participating in job simulations, students engaged directly with industry professionals across four key career quadrants:

  • Engineering, Manufacturing & Industrial Technology

  • Business, IT & Arts and Communication

  • Health & Human Services

  • Natural Science & Agriscience

This interactive format helped students better understand what careers align with their interests, strengths, and long-term goals. Employers also had the chance to showcase career paths and connect with future talent, making it a win-win for students and industry alike.

The result? Hundreds of students left with a clearer sense of direction—and a renewed excitement for what’s next.


See highlights from the event...


Recent Stories:

Zander Bowles: Advocating for Accessibility, One City Meeting at a Time How a former SAIL student is helping shape a more inclusive East Lansing

Zander Bowles, a former student in Ingham ISD’s SAIL program, has become a passionate and persistent advocate for accessibility in local government—attending city council meetings, advising on public facility updates, and volunteering across the community.

Wilkshire Early Childhood Center is Leading the Way Building Strong Systems for Social-Emotional Learning

Haslett Public Schools’ Wilkshire Early Childhood Center is setting an example for what’s possible when a school team dedicates itself to building strong systems for students and families. Their staff has invested countless hours into this work, reviewing data, collaborating on goals, and engaging in professional development alongside Ingham ISD’s PBIS and School Improvement coaches. This partnership ensures Wilkshire’s efforts are intentional, sustainable, and always centered on student success. The result is a program worth celebrating and one we hope inspires other schools across the region.