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<\/p>\n This article is part of Concentrate\u2019s\u00a0<\/em>Voices of Youth series<\/em><\/a>, which features stories written by Washtenaw County youth with guidance from Concentrate staff mentors, as well as adult-written stories spotlighting local youth perspective. In this installment,\u00a0student writer Audra Ambrozaitis reports on a new leadership program for Washtenaw County students.<\/em><\/p>\n The Washtenaw Intermediate School District (WISD)<\/a>, Destination Ann Arbor<\/a>, and Washtenaw Community College (WCC)<\/a> have partnered to pilot an innovative program for Washtenaw County career and technical education (CTE) students.\u00a0<\/p>\n The core of the new BEST Leadership program is in its name. The acronym stands for business, entrepreneurship, sports management, and tourism. It\u2019s designed to do double duty for high schoolers interested in these growing industries. Students gain valuable experience to take their ambitions to the next level through hands-on learning, real industry connections, and opportunities to expose their talents. They also receive a management certificate to take their ambitions to the next level.<\/p>\n Eric Jackson, WISD\u2019s coordinator of CTE Work Based Learning, explains that the program serves as a capstone experience for high school seniors who have successfully completed a CTE program<\/a> during 11th grade.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is a combined \u2018earn and learn\u2019 educational opportunity with academic [studies] and a year-long work-based learning experience with an industry leader aligned with the student\u2019s CTE program,\u201d Jackson says.\u201cOn Tuesdays, students meet from 1:30-4:30 p.m. at WCC. Upon arrival, they are greeted by their professor and dive directly into their modules.\u201d<\/p>\n He adds, \u201cThe class includes 12 other WCC students, providing our high school scholars with the chance to collaborate with college peers.\u201d<\/p>\n Manchester High School senior Abbi Austin participated in the BEST Leadership Program. Her counselor recommended it to Austin because it could prove useful to her future plans.<\/p>\n \u201cI signed up for the program because my counselor Mrs. Freeman recommended it to me,\u201d she says. \u201cWe realized that it could be very beneficial for my future plans, which are studying in college and going into sports medicine. Shadowing positions in this field can put me ahead.\u201d<\/p>\n The new program can bring hands-on learning to students looking to further expand their knowledge, refine ideas and business plans, and enhance creativity. Austin recalls her initial expectations of BEST.<\/p>\n \u201cI expected to get valuable observation hours and come out of it with at least a bit more knowledge, going into college next year,\u201d she says. \u201cI really liked the shadowing opportunity aspect of it.\u201d<\/p>\n Huron High School senior Nha Nguyen learned about the program through Chef Samantha Dye, her CTE culinary arts instructor.<\/p>\n \u201cI believe that the program would allow me to develop to my best ability,\u201d Nguyen says. \u201cEveryone is friendly and helpful. I felt the sense of belonging in a community where I can freely share my ideas, and learn from people around.\u201d<\/p>\n Expanding CTE access countywide to give students the BEST opportunities<\/strong><\/p>\n Earning credentials like the nine-credit Entrepreneurship Essentials Certificate from WCC is a building block for BEST students. It builds their confidence to pursue additional credentials and further their education. The opportunity to intern with a wide range of respected local businesses and organizations builds their resumes and a network of industry contacts.<\/p>\n For example, culinary students can be placed at Zingerman\u2019s Bakehouse, The Vanguard Hotel, Aubree\u2019s Pizza in Ypsilanti, and Travis Pointe Country Club. For physical therapy students, opportunities this year are available through Adrian College\u2019s Health Science and Sports Medicine program.<\/p>\n \u201cAfter the first day, I think I was very overwhelmed and very excited. I knew that I was going to have to put in more work than most of the rest of my classes,\u201d Austin says. \u201cBut it\u2019s obviously going to pay off since this is what I see myself going into in the future.\u201d<\/p>\n Jackson says that WISD would like to expand access to the program. He\u2019d like to bring these opportunities to even more students across the county, and to increase the number of industry partners engaged \u201cin every aspect of BEST.\u201d On the upcoming Nov. 4 ballot, voters residing in WISD school districts can weigh in on a 1-mill, 10-year proposal to expand access<\/a> to CTE programs countywide.<\/p>\n \u201cMore connections mean more pathways for our students to earn credentials, build confidence, and pursue their aspirations,\u201d Jackson says. \u201cMost importantly, we want each student to leave this program with meaningful professional relationships and the confidence to achieve their dreams \u2013 whether in college, career, or entrepreneurship.\u201d<\/p>\n