Career Exploration for Kids in West Michigan
Did you know that Bill Gates began programming computers at age 13 and Mozart started composing music at 11? Both are considered prodigies in their fields, but what you really don’t hear about is how much time they spent honing their craft as youngsters.
Sure they had talent, but they spent a significant amount of time developing that talent before they achieved any success or notoriety.
Aspiring kids need to see examples of curiosity and hard work over a number of years develop into expertise. So many people think Bill Gates stumbled into his garage and magically created Microsoft. That just wasn’t the case.
Kids also need to see and start connecting the pathways of their interests to eventual careers. Anything we can do to help them develop a skill, learn about a career, or narrow down an area of interest will benefit them as they navigate the pathways of their own lives.
The Big List of FREE Places Kids can Explore Careers Around West Michigan
Whatever your child’s area of interest there are programs available locally to help them cultivate that interest and explore possible career paths.
Our community has a diverse mix of universities, municipalities, corporations, and educational institutions that open their doors to our children. The list below is a sampling of what is available in our area. I encourage you to seek out other opportunities specific to your child’s interest.
Architecture and Technology
Mini camps specialize in coding, digital song creation, and digital video creation.
Minimum Age | Varies by program
Meyer May Architectural Home Tour
Tour a restored and preserved Frank Lloyd Wright house.
Minimum Age | None
Energy, Environment, and Sustainability
City of Grand Rapids – Lake Michigan Filtration Plant Tour
This plant tour covers the facility that filtered and pumped 13 billion gallons of water to the City of Grand Rapids and surrounding areas in 2017.
Minimum Age | 8 years old
City of Grand Rapids – Waste Water Treatment Plant Tour
During this 90 minute tour you will learn about the water treatment process from start to finish.
Minimum Age | 8 years old
Holland Board of Public Works – Sustainability Education Events
Multiple seminars and events offered throughout the year.
Minimum Age | Varies by event
Holland Energy Park – Power Plant Tour
Tour of the newly built 125 megawatt combined cycle natural gas power plant. This power plant provides power and heat for Holland’s snow melt system.
Minimum Age | None
Kent County Recycling Center – Facilities tour
This one hour tour features a classroom discussion on recycling and a facility walking tour.
Minimum Age | None
Kent County Waste to Energy Power Plant – Educational Seminar and Power Plant Tour
This plant processes and recycles municipal waste and incinerates trash to generate electricity.
Minimum Grade: | 5th grade
Health and Safety
Fire Department Tours and Events
Local fire departments host open houses and events in the community. Please contact your local department for information.
Minimum Age | None
Police Department Tours and Events
Local police departments host open houses and events throughout the year. Please contact your local station for details.
Minimum Age | None
Kent County Mounted Police Training Facility
Tours are available on non-event days by appointment only. Kids get a tour of the facility, get to see the stables up close and take a lap on a police horse around the indoor arena.
Minimum Age | None
Manufacturing and Construction
DeKlomp Wooden Shoe & Delft Factory – Tour
Watch as artisans mold and hand paint delftware pottery and carve wooden shoes.
Minimum Age | None
Home Depot – Do-It-Yourself Workshops
Free workshops cover a variety of topics and skills.
Minimum Age | None, but parental supervision required
Tourism and Culinary Arts
Fifth Third Ballpark – Facilities Tour
Tours are a great way for people to get a “behind the scenes” look at how a professional baseball stadium is run.
Minimum Age | None
Van Andel Arena – Facilities Tour
Tours are available on non-event days by appointment only.
Minimum Age | None
Sprinkles Donuts – Hudsonville
Tours are available on non-event days by appointment only. Kids get a tour of the donut making facilities and get to frost a donut.
Minimum Age | None
Culvers – Wyoming
Tours are available on non-event days by appointment only. Kids get a tour of the food prep area as well as the freezer. Free small ice cream at the end.
Minimum Age | None
Veterinarian and Zookeeper
Humane Society of West Michigan – Volunteer Opportunities
Help socialize, walk, and care for animals. Opportunities also exist for volunteers looking to help with adoption assistance and administrative functions. Minimum 6 month commitment and 6 hours per month.
Minimum Age | 16 years old
John Ball Zoo – Zookeeper Job Shadow
This program was designed to meet school job shadow requirements. (Cost is Free, but student must provide documentation that program is required.)
Minimum Grade | 10th grade
