West Iron County Public Schools

Equipping the Next Generation: 

West Iron County Public Schools Awarded $234,814 State Grant for Innovative Middle School Hands-On Training Program

Iron River, MI. (APRIL 17, 2026) – At West Iron County School District, students are about to get their hands on the future. Thanks to a $234,814 Career and Technical Education (CTE) expansion grant from the Michigan Department of Education (MDE), West Iron County Schools will be launching an innovative new Middle School Advanced Manufacturing program to meet rising student demand and regional labor needs.

Our district is proud to be one of 14 award recipients across the Upper Peninsula, which saw a total of $4,009,488 invested in regional schools.

Historically, CTE programs have been reserved for high schoolers. However, this historic funding opens the door for middle school CTE for the first time in Michigan, an opportunity many states still do not offer. The initiative aims to capture the curiosity of younger students, particularly here in the Upper Peninsula, where a massive wave of funding is dedicated to "Middle School Advanced Manufacturing" programs.

Engaging students early with hands-on, minds-on classes in high-demand technical fields is critical for our local economic future.

“We are honored to be selected as part of the Manufacturing and Engineering Education Reimagined for All (MEERA) initiative, an investment that represents a very unique opportunity for our middle school students that we hope has a positive long term impact for our area.

This opportunity will give our 6th -8th grade students access to high-quality, technical, hands-on learning experiences that introduce students to manufacturing and engineering pathways earlier and unlike ever before. By engaging students at this level, we hope to spark curiosity, build confidence, develop skills, connect classroom learning to real-world applications and explore careers to prepare our students for future jobs. 

We are especially excited about the ways this initiative will open doors for all students! This is truly about opportunity, inspiration, and building a future job ready generation.

We look forward to the lasting impact this investment will have on our schools and community,” said Kevin Schmutzler, Superintendent of West Iron County Public Schools.

By introducing advanced manufacturing early, West Iron County Middle School is equipping students with stackable, industry-recognized credentials, closing opportunity gaps in rural areas, and strengthening the local workforce before students even reach high school. The infusion of funding is designed to create a seamless transition from middle school exploration to high school credentialing and training, and ultimately, to local higher education and careers.

At the state level, leaders recognize the importance of this local momentum. 

"Awarding these grants to local school districts is yet another way that we are helping to put Students First,” said State Superintendent Dr. Glenn Maleyko. “Michigan has experienced record enrollment in CTE programs in recent years, but we haven’t been able to fully keep up with the demand. These grants will give students more access to CTE programs that prepare them for postsecondary education and rewarding careers.”

The Upper Peninsula has a rich industrial heritage, built on hardworking generations in mining, forestry, and traditional trades. Today, the landscape of those industries is shifting rapidly toward automation, mechatronics, and advanced digital technologies. By securing this state funding, West Iron County Schools is positioned so that our next generation isn't left behind in this technological revolution. These new programs will empower students to build on the region's legacy of hard work by equipping them with the cutting-edge, high-tech skills required to thrive in the modern workforce.

The state's commitment to CTE continues to grow. “Michigan is experiencing remarkable growth in Career and Technical Education, with a 44% increase in state-approved programs over the last decade, strengthening our workforce pipeline and opening new pathways for students to gain in-demand skills,” said Celena Mills, director of the MDE Office of Career and Technical Education 

For more information about the new Advanced Manufacturing program at West Iron County Schools, please visit westiron.org  or contact Kevin Schmutzler, Superintendent.