“What’s next?” is a question many students may think while they’re in high school. Northview Next is designed to help students figure that out.
This past year, the Northview school formerly known as East Campus was reinvented and divided into two separate programs, the Northview Next Career Center and the Learning Center.
The programs are designed to help students succeed and to prepare for their next steps in life whether that be heading to a four year college, two year college, trade school or directly joining the workforce.
“We’re a career based school and we are focused on whatever is next for kids,” Coordinator of Student Supports Drew Klopcic said.
The Northview Next Career Center allows students to have opportunities to experience various careers. Students have job shadows and internships available in mechanics, technology, real estate and art. The Career Center helps students find what they are interested in and get experience in that field before the end of high school.
Northview Next is currently partnered with Keller Williams, Grand Rapids Community College, Associated Builders and Contractors, M-TEC Career and Corporation Training, The Center for Arts and Technology and River City Mechanical. These partnerships are what allow students to get experience in different areas of work.
“We’re giving [students] skills everyday in the classroom that they’re going to be able to take with them when they leave,” Klopcic said.
The Career Center on the East Beltline has a student resource room, with supplies donated by Berkley Hills Community Church. This room was designed so that students attending Northview Next could get things they might need for free including food, clothes, and school supplies.
The purpose of the Learning Center is to help students from ages 15-20 get a NVPS diploma. Students get Northview computers to do class work online, and then meet with teachers a few times a week to touch base. The Learning Center has extended hours and summer hours to ensure that students have every opportunity possible to succeed.
“Whatever a student’s needs may be, we’re trying to meet them,” Klopcic said.
Jean Peck has been teaching at the school for 31 years and loves how rewarding her job is. She sees her students get diplomas and grow throughout their time with her.
“This is a new program focused on helping kids prepare for life and help them find their way and understand who they are,” Peck said.
