Michael Berry Career Center will mark its 20th anniversary in March with a special ceremony, including the opening of a new construction trades lab, followed by an open house and career fair. All are welcome to attend.
The March 24 festivities start at 4 p.m. with a program marking the center’s 20th anniversary. The program will be followed by tours of the recently completed renovations to the center, including a new cybersecurity lab and newly renovated lab for construction trades.
MBCC is part of Dearborn Public Schools, although the address is in Dearborn Heights at 22586 Ann Arbor Trail. Those attending should enter from the Warren Avenue side through door # 1 just to the left of the flag pole.
Following the ceremony, from 5 to 6:30 p.m., the center will hold its annual open house and college and career fair. Prospective students, parents, community members, and business representatives are encouraged to attend and learn more about all of the career programs offered at Michael Berry Career Center. Classrooms and labs will be open, and current students and teachers will be on hand to answer questions.
Current career programs for students include automotive technician, business and entrepreneurship, computer programming, construction trades, criminal justice and law, culinary arts and tourism/hospitality, digital media production, education careers (teacher cadet), information technology (technician, network analyst, cybersecurity), and health science and medical careers
A college and career fair will also be held with local employers, college reps, trades officials, and military recruiters on hand to talk about opportunities for students after high school.
Representatives from local businesses are also invited to a Partnership Advisory Council meeting to have a voice in career and technical education in Dearborn Public Schools. The meeting will occur during the open house. Contact John Bayerl, supervisor of career and technical education (CTE), to learn more about the advisory council.
The Michael Berry Career Center was one of several construction projects funded by a bond voters approved in 2002. More information about each program is available on the Berry Career Center website. Besides the newly remodeled lab, the district is using grant money to plan for an addition to add an automotive technician program at MBCC. The plan would consolidate, expand, and enhance programs currently at Edsel Ford and Fordson high schools. Funding to build the new lab is not currently available, but Dearborn Schools is exploring grant opportunities and community partnerships to hopefully bring the plans to life.
The district’s career and technical education programs provide students with technical knowledge and skills training, as well as the workplace readiness required to be successful after high school. All the programs also offer students the opportunity to earn related certifications to enhance their resumes and possibly lead to employment opportunities immediately after high school.
“We invite all of our community members to visit Michael Berry Career Center during this event to learn more about the variety of career exploration and certifications we offer to students while they are still in high school,” said Lamis Srour, Interim Superintendent. “We also look forward to celebrating the building’s anniversary and the two new program labs for students.”
Michael Berry Career Center celebration flyer
