Program Options

Courses cover a variety of topics including government, psychology, statistics and public speaking. Students also get to choose courses in areas that interest them most like art, business, technology, engineering and education, to create a more focused degree.

Example Schedule

9th Grade

• High school classes - English, Math, Science, History, Visual Arts, PE/Health

10th Grade

• High school classes - English, Math, Science, History
• College courses - Intro to Theater TH 248, American Gov 110, Healthy Living WE 189, Strategies for College and Life Success PY 100

11th Grade

• High school classes - English, Math, Science, History
• College courses - Music MUS 110, World History HS 121,  Psychology PY 201, Geoscience GL 106

12th Grade

• High school classes - 4 electives
• College courses - English I EN 101, English II EN 102, Elective, Math MA 215

13th Year

• College courses - Trigonometry MA 108 OR Statistics 215, 5 courses of student's choice

Courses cover drafting, mechanical concepts, and tool and die design. Students also learn software programs like AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and Pro-E. As students move through the program, they have increasing opportunities to see their designs come to life – from initial drafts to finished products.

Mechanical Design careers are in demand in many industries, including - aerospace and defense, automotive, marine, nuclear energy, electronics.

Example Schedule

9th Grade

• High school classes - English, Math, Science, History, Visual Arts, PE/Health

10th Grade

• High school classes - English, Math, Science, History
• College courses - Industrial Graphics with CAD EG 110, Intro to SolidWorks DR 150, Intro to Mechanical Concepts DR 180, Intermediate SolidWorks DR 190

11th Grade

• High school classes - English, Math, Science, History
• College courses - Detail Drafting DR 229, Advanced SolidWorks DR 240, Intro to Inventor DR 140, Advanced Engineering Graphics EG 201

12th Grade

• High school classes - 4 electives
• College courses - Intro to Pro Engineering/CREO DR 258, Possible Math MA 108, Die Design DR 224, English I EN 101

13th Year

• College courses - Material Science TE 114, Tool Design DR 212, Theory of Machine Operations MN 199, Team Design Project 279, English II EN 102, Humanities, Social Science

How Mechanical Design can benefit you 

The Launch U Mechanical Design program is designed for students to directly enter high-paying, high-demand jobs. Or students can prepare to transfer to a four year college or university.

Manufacturers in West Michigan are in shortage of skilled, talented workers. Through Launch U, students use software and equipment found in industry, gaining the practical skills to be successful in the work place. Mechanical Design students attain the highly sought after experience employers desire, and will land high-paying jobs.

West Michigan is anticipated to need over 7500 Mechanical Designers over the next 5 years. These jobs have an average entry level wage of $22 per hour. 

Mechanical design is a field that requires creativity, innovation, and hands-on work. Designers apply their education to design, develop, and test new machinery, technologies, and products. Visit the GRCC Website to learn more about Mechanical Design. 

Greg Wolf, chief technical advisor, shares an overview of careers in Mechanical Design and his need for skilled, talented employees.

Jon Dyer, of business development and engineering, says mechanical designers bring ideas to life. From the computer screen to the robotics that build the biggest products, designers solve problems creatively.

Earn a Culinary Arts or Baking & Pastry Arts Certificate from the GRCC Secchia Institute for Culinary Education – for free – while attending Kent Career Tech Center’s Hospitality program.

Students begin the program in KCTC’s Hospitality program in 11th grade and finish after what’s called the 13th year – one additional year of school at GRCC. After that, students are ready to enter the kitchen as a certified professional – without debt! – choose to pursue another certification, or continue with GRCC to earn an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts.

Professional Certifications Through Launch U

Students in KCTC’s Hospitality program have opportunities to earn safety certifications essential for working in a kitchen. Those enrolled in Launch U’s Culinary Arts program are also eligible to earn their choice of:

• Culinary Arts Certification
• Baking & Pastry Arts Certification

Example Schedule

Students in Launch U’s Culinary Arts program take high school classes at their regular high school, plus attend the Hospitality program and college courses at Kent Career Tech Center during grades 11 and 12. Then, they attend college courses at GRCC Secchia Institute for Culinary Education during the 13th year.

9th & 10th Grades:

• Full day of classes at your high school

11 & 12 Grades:

• Two-thirds of the day with your high school
• One-third of the day with KCTC hospitality program (3 days) and GRCC courses at KCTC (2days)

13th Year:

• Specialized certification courses at GRCC Secchia Institute for Culinary Education

Earn an Associate Degree – for free – while attending Kent Career Tech Center’s Networking & Cybersecurity program.

Students begin the program in KCTC’s IT program in 11th grade and finish after what’s called the 13th year – one additional year of school at GRCC. After that, students are ready to enter the workforce or pursue a higher degree with an Associate Degree in hand, and without debt.

Computer Support Specialists are in demand and critical in many industries including:

• Healthcare
• Higher Education
• Manufacturing
• Software and IT companies 
• Aviation
• Finance

Professional Certifications through Launch U

Students in KCTC’s IT program have opportunities to earn several professional certifications. Those enrolled in Launch U’s Computer Support Specialist program can also earn:

• CompTia Network Plus Certification
• Microsoft Server Certification
• CompTia Security Plus Certification

Example Schedule

Students in Launch U’s Computer Support Specialist program take high school classes at their regular high school, plus attend college courses at Kent Career Tech Center and online during grades 11-12. Then, they attend college courses full time with GRCC during the 13th year. Below is how a student’s overall schedule looks.

9th & 10th Grades:

• Full day of classes at your high school

11th Grade:

• Two-thirds of the day with your high school plus the following:
  • Fall: KCTC IT/Launch U
  • Spring: KCTC IT/Launch U + GRCC course online

12th Grade:

• Two-thirds of the day with your high school plus the following:
  • Fall: KCTC IT/Launch U + GRCC course online
  • Spring: KCTC IT/Launch U + GRCC course online

13th Year:

• Full day of college courses with GRCC, including general education and specialized certification courses

NOTE - Earn 26 credits through regular KCTC IT coursework, plus 34 more credits through additional GRCC classes. That’s 60 credits, a high school diploma and a college degree. All free.