TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. – Kettering University and Northwest Education Services (North Ed) have formalized a partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to expand STEM pathways, career exploration and postsecondary opportunities for students served by North Ed Career Tech.
The agreement reflects shared priorities around applied learning, workforce preparation and access to engineering, technology and related fields. As the intermediate school district based in Traverse City, North Ed supports school districts and educational programs across northwest Michigan and plays an active role in Career and Technical Education, Special Education, early childhood programming, educator development and regional initiatives.
The two organizations hosted an event today to announce the new partnership at North Ed Career Tech, 880 Parsons Road, Traverse City.
“Programs like North Ed already give students the opportunity to explore careers, develop technical skills and discover the kinds of challenges they want to solve,” said Matt Fortescue, Kettering University’s Director of Enrollment. “This partnership creates a pathway for students to continue that journey.”
Pat Lamb, assistant superintendent for Career & Technical Education at North Ed, said the goal of educators at Career Tech is to provide students with the skills and techniques they need to be successful in college or the workforce.
“Through hands-on learning, our students gain valuable insight into future career options, get practical on-the-job experiences and learn foundational skills they can apply widely to a number of industries and fields,” Lamb said. “Ultimately, we make every effort to ensure all students have access to the resources and support they need to reach their full potential – whatever that is for them. We are excited to begin this new partnership with Kettering University and to expand the number of academic experiences and opportunities available to Career Tech students.”
Scholarship Support for CTE Students
As part of the agreement, Kettering University will establish a $25,000 annual scholarship for eligible students who:
Participate in, or are identified as belonging to, a Career and Technical Education program at Northwest Education Services, and
Enroll at Kettering University as first-year students.
The scholarship is renewable, contingent upon satisfactory academic standing, conduct and minimum enrollment status. Renewal amounts are subject to annual adjustment based on Kettering University’s budgetary allocations.
STEM Outreach and Campus Engagement
Beyond scholarship support, the MOU establishes a framework for STEM-focused outreach and engagement. Planned activities may include:
Group visits to Kettering University’s campus to provide students with exposure to academic programs and hands-on learning environments
Interactive student panels hosted at Northwest Education Services
Coordinated Programming and Promotion
The partnership also emphasizes coordinated efforts to expand educational access. North Ed will promote relevant Kettering University opportunities, including summer pre-college programs, recruitment events and scholarships. Both organizations remain open to exploring additional areas of mutual interest as the partnership develops.
Partnership Context and Term
This agreement aligns with Kettering University’s long-standing approach to working with educational organizations, industry partners and public agencies to support workforce development and applied learning through structured partnerships and memoranda of understanding.
The MOU does not represent a financial agreement or binding commitment by either party. Any future initiatives may require separate agreements. The agreement becomes effective upon approval by both parties and will remain in effect for five years from October 1, 2025. Representatives from both organizations have agreed to consult with one another at least twice annually to review progress on the outlined initiatives.
North Ed Career Tech offers more than 20 state-approved CTE programs to high school juniors and seniors from Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska and Leelanau counties. Students are educated in career and technical fields, offering hands-on practical experiences, job shadowing, career exploration and early college opportunities, along with rigorous academic integration. Visit North Ed Career Tech’s website for more information.
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Photo Caption: Matt Fortescue, director of enrollment at Kettering University, speaks during an event Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at Northwest Education Services (North Ed) Career Tech in Traverse City. The event was held to announce a new partnership between the Flint-based university and North Ed Career Tech that provides $25,000 scholarships to Career Tech students who enroll at Kettering University following graduation.