Manufacturing
Manufacturing CTE Program
Ypsilanti Community High School’s Manufacturing Career and Technical Education (CTE) program offers students a hands-on, industry-aligned experience that prepares them for careers in the skilled trades, engineering, and advanced manufacturing. Through partnerships with SME, NC3, and ToolingU, students earn nationally recognized certifications while working on state-of-the-art equipment including Haas CNC mills and lathes, a Stratasys 3D printer, a Lincoln VRTEX virtual welder, a FANUC industrial robot, and FESTO mechatronics labs. The program blends technical instruction with real-world problem solving and career pathway development, allowing students to graduate ready for apprenticeships, associate degrees, or university engineering programs. Students leave the program with a competitive edge, equipped for success in Michigan’s growing manufacturing economy.
Manufacturing CTE
John Kim, Lead Instructor
The Engineering and Manufacturing CTE Instructor at Ypsilanti Community High School. A recognized leader in education and industry partnerships, he brings years of experience in curriculum development, hands-on instruction, and student mentorship. Mr. Kim is the recipient of the 2024 MiSTEM Region 2 Teacher of the Year Award and is a doctoral candidate at the University of South Carolina, where his research focuses on implementing high-impact manufacturing curricula in secondary education. He has secured over $200,000 in grants and equipment to modernize Ypsilanti’s CTE offerings and is committed to preparing students for 21st-century careers through innovative, equity-driven instruction.
