KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – A new, world-class Career and Technical Education Center will be built in Kalamazoo, thanks to an anonymous gift of land and a $100 million commitment for the construction to the Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency.
The gifts were announced Friday by the regional economic development agency Southwest Michigan First.
“For years, local educators and employers have talked about the need for a centralized career and technical center in Kalamazoo County,” said Carla Sones, president and interim CEO of Southwest Michigan First. “That vision is now a big step closer to becoming a reality.”
According to Sones, a world-class and centrally located Career and Technical Education Center was determined to be a vital part of the re-design of Kalamazoo County’s career and technical education system. The public-private partnership started ahead of Kalamazoo RESA’s 2019 CTE millage campaign, which received strong support from Kalamazoo County voters on the November 2019 ballot.
The donors, who requested they not be named, have asked Southwest Michigan First to act as their representative in the transfer of both property and funds.
“Today’s incredibly generous gift represents a transformational moment in the economy of Southwest Michigan,” said Sones.
The new facility, expected to open in fall 2024, will be constructed on the parcel of donated land located along the I-94 and Sprinkle Road corridor next to Wings Stadium.
