As Middle College students return to campus this week, they’re geared up to dive into their studies and pursue their aspirations with renewed enthusiasm. Here’s to embracing challenges, achieving goals, and making the most of every opportunity! Class is officially in session.
Welcome Back!
We are thrilled to welcome students back for the 2024-2025 academic year at Van Buren Tech!
Van Buren Tech, a proud affiliate of the Van Buren Intermediate School District (VBISD), is committed to providing outstanding Career and Technical Education (CTE). Our mission is to prepare students for a wide array of postsecondary opportunities by closely collaborating with industry professionals. This ensures that each student is equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in their chosen fields.
With 25 diverse CTE programs, our students receive hands-on learning experiences and the chance to earn industry-recognized certifications. Additionally, students can earn college credit that directly transfers to numerous colleges and universities. Van Buren Tech isn’t an alternative to college; rather, it’s a pathway to achieving college or career goals.
Van Buren Tech serves approximately 1,000 11th and 12th grade students from around Van Buren County. Students attend their home high schools for half of their day and VBT for the other half, with classes available both in the morning and afternoon. We partner with 15 school districts, offering 25 state-approved CTE programs. Transportation is provided and there are no costs for attending VBT classes.
We can’t wait to start another year filled with learning, growth, and achievement. Here’s to a fantastic year ahead, and remember- success starts here at Van Buren Tech
Mock Disaster 2024
Mock Disaster 2024
TW: Although the following images are from a drill, they contain realistic graphic content that may be disturbing to some individuals. Please view with discretion.
Van Buren Tech proudly conducted its highly anticipated annual Mock Disaster training today, continuing its tradition of excellence in emergency response education. This event serves as a cornerstone for students to engage in a dynamic, real-life public safety scenario, closely mirroring actual emergency conditions.
This year's event unfolded with an intricate scenario involving a car veering off the road near a bustling construction site, leading to a scaffolding collapse and the exposure of rebar. The incident escalated into a significant multi-vehicle collision including an ambulance and a school bus, testing the readiness and rapid response capabilities of the students.
Participating in this hands-on event were students from a variety of VBT programs. Programs involved include Emergency Medical Technician, Fire Science Academy, Law Enforcement, Patient Care, and Cosmetology. The Cosmetology program played a crucial role by skillfully creating realistic injuries and abrasions, which added a profound level of realism to the scenario.
This event allows students to practice the critical skills of triage, rapid assessment, resource mobilization, and effective recovery in the aftermath of a crisis. By working alongside local industry professionals and actors, students gained insights into the complexities of emergency management and response tactics.
We extend our deepest gratitude to all the actors, spectators, first responders, VBT staff, and students who contributed to making this year’s Mock Disaster a resounding success.
As we reflect on the lessons learned and the skills exercised during today’s Mock Disaster, we are reminded of the words of Fred Rogers, "Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping." Today, at Van Buren Tech, we saw the helpers of t
Unlock your potential at Van Buren Tech! Our cutting-edge programs and hands-on learning approach prepare students for thriving careers. With state-of-the-art facilities and dedicated instructors, we're committed to empowering students for success in their chosen fields. Discover the endless possibilities and turn your passion into a profession with Van Buren Tech
Graphic Design at Van Buren Tech
The Graphic Design program shows students how to use creativity in a successful career. They design logos in Illustrator, add motion to them in After Effects, push their creativity in Photoshop, and much more using Adobe software! Students have the opportunity to develop client projects, providing design services to select local businesses. This program provides public exposure that helps launch the students' creative careers.
Engineering & Architectural Design
The Engineering & Architectural Design program challenges students to use creative solutions for practical problems. Students will sketch designs and learn Computer Aided Design (CAD) software and 3D printing, as well as other hands-on technologies that will help make design ideas and inventions come to life. With college and mentor partnerships, this program prepares students for successful engineering and architectural design careers.
Van Buren Middle College
Applications for any new 10th-grade applicants are due on Friday, February 16, 2024.
Middle College acts as a bridge between high school, college, and a student’s future career. The Middle College program offers students the opportunity to simultaneously earn a High School diploma and up to a full Associate’s Degree or college certification for FREE. This program is the perfect fit for motivated students interested in jump-starting their future careers or higher education pursuits.
Early Childhood Careers & Education
The Early Childhood Careers and Education program offers experience working with children in a preschool lab and other classroom settings. Students will also learn about children's physical, cognitive, and social-emotional development. They will gain instructional strategies for behavior, trauma, and developmental disabilities. This is the perfect program for any student who enjoys working with children, ages preschool through third grade.
Dental Occupations
The Dental Occupations program provides the skills for an entry-level dental assisting position in a dental office. Students become proficient in supporting the dentist, including help with restorations, dental terminology, tooth names and numbers, head and neck anatomy, and sterilization of instruments using state-of-the-art equipment. They will learn skills to prepare for a career as a dentist, dental assistant, hygienist, or dental laboratory technician. Eligible students may even test to receive an x-ray certification.
Cyber Security & Computer Network Technology
Van Buren Tech's Cyber Security & Computer Network Technology program educates students in highly sought-after computer and network-related skills. Hardware and software include Windows, Linux, Android, Apple IOS, and dozens of other types of electronic equipment. As the program advances, students may test for more certifications in local area networks, wide area networks, and network security, preparing them for a career in one of the fastest-growing industries.
Culinary Arts & Catering Management
The Culinary Arts and Catering Management program offers students training and skills in an industrial kitchen setting. Students participate in food service events, competitions, field trips, and meal preparation for Van Buren Tech’s onsite cafe. Students also learn about sanitation, meal planning, kitchen safety, and customer service, while studying for ServSafe certifications. This program prepares students for a variety of hospitality-related careers.