129 students honored in Michigan Career and Technical Institute’s summer-fall graduation ceremony

MCTI’s student-focused approach results in postsecondary success for individuals with disabilities

LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Career and Technical Institute (MCTI) hosted its summer/fall graduation event for 129 students from across the state Thursday, marking the postsecondary school’s largest in-person ceremony in three years. 

"We take great pride in the diligent efforts, unwavering commitment and remarkable accomplishments demonstrated by our exceptional students at Michigan Career and Technical Institute,” said MCTI Director Jennifer Zuniga. “Our training programs equip individuals with disabilities with the hands-on experience and right skills needed to secure inclusive, competitive employment opportunities. Thanks to the efforts of our dedicated staff and talented students, graduates leave MCTI well-prepared to join the workforce, armed with the essential technical proficiencies and employability skills that Michigan employers need to thrive in today’s ever-changing economy."

The event was held at the MCTI campus in Plainwell. MCTI delivers in-demand training programs that provide Michiganders with disabilities the credentials they need to access competitive integrated employment and enhance independence.

Among the 129 graduates were six students who successfully completed MCTI’s Certified Nurse Assistant program at its extension campus in Kalamazoo.

MCTI strives to promote the integration of Michiganders with disabilities into both the competitive workplace and society. Students at MCTI’s Plainwell campus may enroll in one of 13 technical training programs, including automotive technology, cabinet making/millwork, certified nurse assistant, commercial printing, construction, culinary arts, custodial, grounds maintenance/landscaping, industrial electronics, information technology, machine technology, pharmacy technician and retail marketing.

Each of the 13 training programs are supported by an active advisory committee made up of people who work in that industry and help ensure the school’s curriculum and equipment meet business standards and needs. MCTI offers students health, psychological and social work services, sports and activities, housing, student government and much more.

The second-largest rehabilitation training center in the country, MCTI is a division of Michigan Rehabilitation Services within the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity.

MCTI directly supports Governor Whitmer’s Sixty by 30 goal to increase the number of working-age adults with a skill certificate or college degree to 60% by 2030.

Learn more about MCTI by visiting Michigan.gov/MCTI.

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