West Michigan Center for Arts + Technology - WMCAT

Thinking about whether a new career is the right move for you? Or know someone who is looking to make a change?

The Adult Career Training Program at WMCAT includes professionally-led instruction, leadership and personal development, externships, and on-site supports — all aimed for students to obtain national certifications and step into a new field.

More at: work.wmcat.org/adult-programs/

We blinked and its somehow been one whole month since we held a very special event to wrap up the spring semester of our Teen Arts + Tech Program: our annual fashion show.

Thanks to our amazing partners at Grand Rapids Art Museum, pieces hit the runway from teen artists from the fashion design studio. Three distinct collections were featured: Nevius Solstice, a monochromatic winter fantasy collection upcycled from vintage wedding dresses; Textured Dreams, a vintage-inspired pajama collection for spring and summer; and finally, we closed with a special Capstone Showcase from four-year student Lulu Nygaard-Tap.

We were lucky to also have collaborators from the music production studio on site creating the background beats for the event, and our photography studio students capturing photos — including the ones featured with this post.

If you or someone you know would love to be part of this + other studios, visit our website for info to enroll (if you're a GRPS student entering 9-12th grades), partner (got an idea for us? let us know), or support (your donations can make these partnerships continue!).

Happy last day of school, Grand Rapids Public Schools students, families, and staff! A few weeks ago, WMCAT wrapped up the semester of the Teen Arts + Tech Program with a final exhibition featuring work from every studio. Friends, family, and community members gathered to celebrate the work of our amazing teen artists.

We're looking forward to welcoming teens back for the fall semester of afterschool studios — teens entering grades 9th -12th at any GRPS high school are eligible — and enrollment is already open! 🎧 🎨 🎥 Sign up now on our website.

And to the 2026 graduates who spent part of their senior year with us at WMCAT, we wish you many creative, connected, and confident days in your future. We're grateful to be part of your story.

FIVE SPOTS REMAINING 👀 Our Summer Intensive is nearly filled!

The Summer Intensive is a multi-day creative experience where students explore a variety of artistic studios and group activities. Intensives are project-based, led by WMCAT teaching artists, and designed to help students collaborate, experiment, and express themselves. This summer, the experience will include 3D animation, ceramic tile, bead, and button making, metal stamping, 3D sculpting, and more.

More info, including cost and scholarship availability, here: https://artstech.wmcat.org/programs/summer-intensive/

Feeling unsure about your next steps professionally? You have the power to equip yourself to be workforce ready, because at WMCAT, we know YOU GOT THIS! 🌟

Our Adult Career Training Program is open for enrollment! Our pharmacy technician pathway includes training, leadership development curriculum, and holistic supports; all tuition-free!

To learn more, visit: https://wmcat.org/enrollment/

At WMCAT, you’re an artist. Whether you’re throwing clay, mixing beats, or sketching out a new world, there is no shortage of opportunities to create and make new friends 🌟

For teens entering grades 9-12 at a Grand Rapids Public Schools high school next year, visit https://wmcat.org/enrollment/ to enroll in our nationally-recognized afterschool Teen Arts + Tech Program TODAY!

Ready to enter the tech industry, but not sure where to start? At WMCAT, you can create opportunity within our Cybersecurity Pathway ✨ Hybrid cybersecurity curriculum, build connections with local industry leaders, and holistic supports; all tuition-free!

Graduation is just around the corner for the 2025–2026 Cybersecurity Pathway!

After eight months of rigorous training, our students are preparing to step into careers as cybersecurity professionals, using their lived experience and technical expertise to drive the field forward.

This journey wouldn’t be possible without the support of our incredible community partners. Thank you to Acrisure, Consumers Energy, LMCU, Comcast NBCUniversal, and Corewell Health for investing in our students and in a more inclusive workforce. Your partnership plays vital role in expanding access to high-demand careers and equipping students for success in today’s digital economy.

Pictured are just a few highlights from industry experts visiting us here at WMCAT, plus our visit to Consumers Energy headquarters this year.

We’re excited to see where this next cohort of cybersecurity professionals goes!

Enrollment for our Adult Career Training Program is officially OPEN! 🤩

If you are an adult in Kent County facing under- or unemployment, our Adult Career Training Program offers tuition-free training in high-demand fields including Cybersecurity and Pharmacy Technician.

Click the link in our profile to learn more and enroll today!

Nothing like some good food and good company to round out the 2025-2026 Adult Career Training Program! 😋

Our students were nominated to recieve a meal from Food Hugs! With graduation just around the corner, this was the perfect way to celebrate this past years achievements and the community that has been cultibvted here at WMCAT.

The biggest of thank you’s to Food Hugs for this wonderful meal and for all of your work in our community. 💖