Van Buren Tech

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Lawrence, MI
Van Buren Tech

Van Buren Tech has over 25 CTE programs that prepare students for a variety of postsecondary options. Success Starts Here!

Welcome to Van Buren Tech, a proud affiliate of the Van Buren Intermediate School District (VBISD)! Our mission is "to empower students to progress toward their life goals" as we deliver exceptional Career and Technical Education (CTE) that empowers students with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in their future careers or college endeavors. With over 25 diverse CTE programs, Van Buren

Tech offers hands-on learning experiences and the opportunity to earn industry-recognized certifications and college credits that seamlessly transfer to various colleges and universities. We don’t view ourselves as an alternative to college but as a vital pathway to achieving both academic and career goals. What We Offer:
-College Credit: Earn college credits while still in high school.
-Applied Learning: Gain practical experience through project-based learning.
-Integrated Academics: Combine academic knowledge with technical skills.
-High-Tech Training: Work with the latest equipment and industry-relevant training.
-Michigan Merit Credits: Fulfill graduation requirements with us.
-Industry Credentials: Obtain valuable credentials recognized by employers.
-Workplace Skills: Develop essential skills needed for the workforce.
-Work-Based Learning: Experience real-world work environments.
-Student Organizations: Join CTE student organizations for enhanced learning and leadership.
-Scholarships: Access various scholarship opportunities to support your journey.
-National Technical Honor Society: Join a prestigious honor society for outstanding technical students. Van Buren Tech serves around 1,000 11th and 12th grade students from across Van Buren County. Students split their day between their local high school and Van Buren Tech, with classes available in both morning and afternoon sessions. We collaborate with 15 school districts, offering state-approved CTE programs. Transportation is provided, and there are no fees for attending our classes! Sign Up: If you haven’t enrolled yet, reach out to your local high school counselor to sign up. Whether you join us for one or two years, we’re excited to help you achieve your goals and look forward to seeing you succeed.

09/03/2026

It’s not too late to enroll in Advanced Manufacturing at Van Buren Tech!

Gain skills using modern manufacturing technology, including CNC equipment and 5-axis machining, while preparing for a career in a growing industry. According to the National Association of Manufacturers, there are more than 12.6 million manufacturing workers in the U.S. and 481,000 manufacturing job openings as of 2026.

Ready to get started? September 11 is the last day to enroll! Contact Van Buren Tech or your local high school counselor to learn more.

09/02/2026

The school year is just getting started, and VB Tech Law Enforcement students are already gaining valuable exposure to the field. Today, the Van Buren County SWAT Team used Van Buren Tech’s onsite residential training house for a specialized training exercise. Undersheriff Casey Davis included VB Tech students in the team briefing, giving them an inside look at the planning, communication, and teamwork involved in a SWAT operation.

Students then observed the team in action as they worked through a simulated scenario inside the residential training house. Experiences like this connect classroom learning to the skills and situations students may encounter in their future careers, while giving them opportunities to learn directly from industry professionals. This is just the beginning of the school year, with many more opportunities ahead for VB Tech students.

08/28/2026

Did you know? Culinary Arts & Catering Management students at Van Buren Tech are learning in a brand-new, state-of-the-art kitchen designed to provide industry-focused training. The renovated space features modern equipment, updated technology, and modular training stations that allow students to receive individualized instruction and experience a variety of culinary techniques.

With the expanded space and new equipment, students can prepare a wider variety of foods while developing the skills needed for the culinary and catering industries. The program prepares students to pursue industry-recognized credentials, enter high-wage, high-demand careers, or continue their education after graduation.

08/27/2026

Did you know? Welding students at Van Buren Tech train in an interactive industrial environment, learning to work with metal professionally and safely. Students develop proficiency in multiple welding and cutting processes, including MIG, TIG, stick welding, plasma cutting, and more, while learning to measure, cut, and prepare materials precisely.

With daily opportunities to practice their skills and work on a variety of projects, students gain experience using industry equipment and can work toward AWS certifications. The skills developed in the program can prepare students for career fields such as production welding, ironworking, pipefitting, millwright work, structural metal work, sheet metal work, and more.

08/26/2026

Did you know? Graphic Design students at Van Buren Tech can take their own business ideas and turn them into a complete brand. From developing a logo and creating graphics to building a consistent visual identity, students use professional design software and industry-standard equipment to bring their ideas to life.

Students have access to an iMac lab, Adobe Creative Cloud, Wacom drawing tablets, and a variety of art and design tools as they develop skills in branding, illustration, typography, digital design, and visual communication. These skills can help prepare students for careers in graphic design, illustration, art direction, UI/UX design, typography, and more.

08/25/2026

A new school year has arrived at Van Buren Tech!

Today, we welcomed back returning students and greeted many new faces as we began the 2026-27 school year. With 26 programs, students can build real-world skills, earn industry-recognized certifications, gain college credit, and prepare for their futures.

At VB Tech, college and career goals can go hand in hand. Through meaningful learning experiences and connections with business and industry professionals, our students are building the knowledge and skills they need for what comes next.

We are excited to have our students back in the building and look forward to a year filled with growth, learning, and new opportunities.

Here’s to an amazing 2026-27 school year at VB Tech!

08/24/2026

Did you know? Polymer Technologies students work with real customers to design and create finished products using 3D printers, CNC machinery, laser engravers, injection molding machines, and more. Students build skills in CAD, SolidWorks, machining, plastics processing, molding, and thermal forming while gaining experience with industry equipment and production techniques. The program also offers opportunities to earn Tooling University and NC3 Precision Measurement Instruments certifications. Students can pursue career paths in plastics engineering, rapid prototyping, quality control, injection machine operation, mold building, and more.

08/23/2026

Did you know? Print Design students take their creativity from concept to fully formed printed products using professional cameras, design software, and printing equipment. Students learn digital printing, photography, screen printing, bindery, and offset press operation while gaining experience with Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator. Through projects and production work, students build skills that can prepare them for careers in graphic design, photography, screen printing, and print production.

08/22/2026

Did you know? Software Engineering students learn a variety of programming languages and development tools, including C++, C #, Java, Python, and HTML5. Students put those skills into practice by developing projects involving web applications, games, mobile apps, databases, computer graphics, artificial intelligence, and robotics. Students can also work toward industry-recognized certifications, including Web Foundations Associate, JavaScript Specialist, Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist, Certified Internet Web Professional, and Oracle Certified Associate.

08/21/2026

Welcome to the 2026-27 School Year

The 2026-27 school year is almost here, and Van Buren Tech is excited to welcome our students back. We look forward to another great year and all the opportunities available through Career and Technical Education.

As we prepare to begin the school year, please review the following important information:

VB Tech Start Dates: Start dates vary by local school district based on each district’s school calendar. Students should check with their home high school to confirm their first day of classes at VB Tech.

VB Tech PowerSchool: VB Tech’s PowerSchool portal is separate from your home district’s PowerSchool account. If you did not receive your welcome letter in the mail, please contact Van Buren Tech at 269-539-5256 for your PowerSchool login information. Your PowerSchool account will allow you to update important student information.

PowerSchool: http://powerschool.vbisd.org

Important Contacts:

Attendance: Connie Ledesma | 269-539-5256 | [email protected]
Student Achievement Coach: Matt Whitman | 269-539-5277 | [email protected]
Dean of Students: Tracy Johnson | 269-539-5103 | [email protected]
Principal: Larissa Hunt | 269-539-5324 | [email protected]

If you have any questions as we begin the school year, please contact us at 269-539-5256.

We look forward to welcoming our students and getting the 2026-27 school year started!

Address

250 South Street
Lawrence, MI
49064

Telephone

+12695395256

Website

http://vbisd.org/vbtech

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