FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECOP ESD Opens Registration for 23 Summer STEM Career Exploration Camps and Paid High School AcademiesGAYLORD, Mich. — Registration is now open for Cheboygan-Otsego-Presque Isle ESD’s 2026 Summer STEM Career Exploration Camps and High School Academies, offering students across Northeast Michigan a unique opportunity to explore high-demand careers through hands-on learning, employer engagement, and real-world workplace experiences.This summer, COP ESD will offer 20 STEM Career Exploration Camps for students entering grades 7–12 along with three six-week paid High School Summer Academies in Welding, CNC Machining, and Building & Construction Trades. Camps begin June 15 and run through August 6, while the academies run June 17 through July 30.The High School Academies are designed on a pre-apprenticeship “earn while you learn” model, allowing students age 15 and older to gain authentic workplace experience while earning a $300 per week stipend. Students will complete industry-recognized credentials, participate in career and employability seminars made possible through workforce development grant support in partnership with Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium, and engage in business immersion trips with regional employers.Only 35 academy seats are available this summer, including 15 seats in Welding, 10 in CNC Machining, and 10 in Building & Construction Trades.“These programs were built on the belief that where a child lives should not determine the opportunities they have access to,” said Laura Percival, MiSTEM Region 12 Director at COP ESD. “Six of our ten local school districts have no Career and Technical Education programs. Our students deserve opportunities to see, touch, build, create, and experience careers that can lead to living-wage employment right here in Northeast Michigan. Students do not know what they do not know until we intentionally expose them to these possibilities.”Unlike traditional summer enrichment, COP ESD’s camps are intentionally designed around career immersion. Every camp includes hands-on, project-based learning that allows students to actively experience a profession while also visiting a local employer or business to see the workplace firsthand and interact directly with industry professionals.Offerings span a wide range of in-demand fields, including skilled trades, healthcare, engineering, robotics, drones, childcare, agriculture, veterinary science, surveying and geospatial technology, electrical careers, and more.Highlighted experiences this summer include:Mapped Out: Surveying & Geospatial Technology Camp, where students work with advanced surveying tools, drone mapping technology, and spatial data systems;Next Generation Engineers, featuring engineering design challenges and visits to innovative regional manufacturers;Healthcare Career Camps hosted in partnership with Munson Healthcare Otsego Memorial Hospital, McLaren Northern Michigan Cheboygan Campus, Onaway EMS, Indian River Veterinary Clinic, and Huron Veterinary Clinic;Skilled trades camps in Welding, HVAC, Electrical, CNC Machining, Building Trades, and Heavy Equipment;Agricultural career exploration, careers working with children, and much more.Regional employer participation is one of the defining strengths of the COP ESD program. Beginning with the use of the Industrial Arts Institute as the primary host site for many camps, community partnership has been a foundation of the initiative since its inception. This summer, nearly 80 business and community partners are collaborating to provide tours, instructors, materials, certifications, workplace experiences, and career mentoring for students. “When students get real tools in their hands and industry professionals by their side, everything shifts. They begin to see themselves in these high‑demand careers and understand the pathways to get there. That’s why strong community partnerships matter—they build confidence, skills, and a stronger future for our region.” — Tamara Ward, Executive Director, Industrial Arts InstituteThe growth of the initiative continues to demonstrate strong student and employer demand. During summer 2025, COP ESD served 240 students, facilitated 219 industry certifications, and partnered with 79 business and community organizations to deliver career-connected learning experiences.“Our goal is simple,” Percival added. “We want students to be able to see themselves in these careers, understand the pathways available to them, and realize they can build a successful future without leaving the communities they call home.”Registration for COP ESD High School Academies is now open. Registration for STEM Career Exploration Camps opens Friday, May 1.Complete camp descriptions, flyers, and registration links can be found at:www.copesd.org/programs-services/cte-programs/Media Contact:Laura PercivalMiSTEM Region 12 Director, Cheboygan-Otsego-Presque Isle ESDpercival@copesd.org231-238-9394 ext. 1418Photos, camp flyers, and interviews are available upon request.
Location: COP ESD region
Website: www.copesd.org/programs-services/cte-programs/
Phone: 5178193437
Registration for the 2026 season is open for Fall 2026 3rd-6th graders. Register at www.mprocketfootball.com. Registration deadline is June 20, 2026.
Location: Mt. Pleasant Community Memorial Stadium
Website: https://mprocketfootball.com
Phone: 9895067968
