November 09, 2026
Photos available for media use.
MARQUETTE, Mich. – High school students from across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula took part in the fourth of five regional MI Kickoff events on Friday, Nov. 6, at Northern Michigan University (NMU). Hosted in partnership with the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement and Potential (MiLEAP), the event connected students with opportunities to explore how education beyond high school can prepare them for future careers.
“Where a student grows up should never determine how far they can go,” said Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, executive director of MiLEAP. “Bringing MI Kickoff to Northern Michigan University allows us to connect students across the Upper Peninsula with experiences, resources and relationships that can help them make informed decisions about their next steps after high school. Reaching students in every region of our state is essential to making educational opportunity more accessible.”
Hosted as NMU’s U.P. Shift College & Career Event, the program gave Upper Peninsula high school students in grades 11 and 12 opportunities to explore academic programs and career fields through interactive, hands-on experiences. Faculty and students led a range of sessions in mechanical and electrical engineering, rehabilitation science, K-12 teaching, computer science, mathematics, nursing, fisheries and wildlife management, automotive services, welding, controlled environment agriculture and construction management.
The event also featured an Industry and Academic Expo, where students connected with NMU faculty and industry professionals to learn more about educational programs, career opportunities and the skills needed to succeed in those fields. Students could also meet with college financial aid specialists, receive assistance navigating the admissions application process, participate in a student panel and tour campus.
“We want to ensure high school students see how their interests can turn into careers with a postsecondary education,” said Dr. Chris Olsen, president at NMU. “We’re excited to be part of this great series of events, and hope to showcase the opportunities that coincide with a Northern Michigan University education to students from across the U.P.”
The regional MI Kickoff series is part of MiLEAP’s efforts to expand postsecondary access for young men, a priority highlighted in the Office of Strategic Talent Preparation’s (OSTP) 2026 Vision and Impact Report. The series also advances Michigan’s Sixty by 30 goal of increasing the share of working-age adults with a postsecondary credential to 60% by 2030.
“Young men need opportunities to see how their interests and strengths can translate into education and career pathways,” said Jason Wilson, deputy director of MiLEAP’s OSTP. “By bringing students together with educators, industry professionals and hands-on learning experiences, MI Kickoff helps make those pathways more tangible and gives students a stronger foundation for deciding what comes next.”
Statewide data underscores the importance of these efforts. About 56% of young men in Michigan enroll in college within one year of graduating high school, compared with 69% of young women. Women also earn nearly 60% of the degrees and certificates awarded in the state. These disparities highlight the importance of connecting young men with opportunities to pursue education and training after high school.
The NMU event marked the fourth of five regional MI Kickoff events taking place across Michigan this fall. The series will conclude Nov. 17 at Saginaw Valley State University.
To learn more about MiLEAP’s work to identify and support all Michiganders who face barriers to education and career advancement, visit the Office of Strategic Talent Preparation (OSTP) webpage.
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About the Office of Strategic Talent Preparation:
The Office of Strategic Talent Preparation (OSTP), part of MiLEAP, works with communities and partners to identify gaps, expand access to education and career opportunities and connect Michiganders with resources to support their success.
About MiLEAP:
Established by Gov. Whitmer in 2023, MiLEAP ensures every Michigander has a path to prosperity from birth to earning a postsecondary credential that leads to high-wage careers. To learn more about MiLEAP, go to Michigan.gov/MiLEAP.
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