District News

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (GRPS) — Innovation Central High School’s Academy of Design & Construction has received state-approved Career and Technical Education (CTE) status from the Michigan Department of Education, marking a historic milestone for Grand Rapids Public Schools.

The designation makes the Academy of Design & Construction the first state-approved CTE program in GRPS history.

The approval strengthens the academy’s instructional framework and expands opportunities for scholars by increasing curriculum rigor, enhancing program quality, and creating a clear pathway to careers in construction and design. Scholars will also have opportunities to earn industry-recognized and professional certifications aligned with workforce needs.

“With the approval of our Academy of Design & Construction as the first state-approved CTE program in the history of Grand Rapids Public Schools, Innovation Central High School is entering a new era of Career and Technical Education,” said Innovation Central High School Principal Derrick Martin. “This designation strengthens the quality and rigor of our curriculum, provides scholars opportunities to earn industry-recognized certifications, and creates a clear pathway to careers in construction and design.”

The program aligns academic instruction with hands-on training and career preparation, helping scholars graduate with skills that translate directly to postsecondary education and the workforce.

“This achievement would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of our staff throughout this process,” Martin said. “Thank you for your commitment to expanding opportunities for our scholars."