FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECOP ESD Opens Registration for 23 Summer STEM Career Exploration Camps and Paid High School AcademiesGAYLORD, Mich. — Registration is now open for Cheboygan-Otsego-Presque Isle ESD’s 2026 Summer STEM Career Exploration Camps and High School Academies, offering students across Northeast Michigan a unique opportunity to explore high-demand careers through hands-on learning, employer engagement, and real-world workplace experiences.This summer, COP ESD will offer 20 STEM Career Exploration Camps for students entering grades 7–12 along with three six-week paid High School Summer Academies in Welding, CNC Machining, and Building & Construction Trades. Camps begin June 15 and run through August 6, while the academies run June 17 through July 30.The High School Academies are designed on a pre-apprenticeship “earn while you learn” model, allowing students age 15 and older to gain authentic workplace experience while earning a $300 per week stipend. Students will complete industry-recognized credentials, participate in career and employability seminars made possible through workforce development grant support in partnership with Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium, and engage in business immersion trips with regional employers.Only 35 academy seats are available this summer, including 15 seats in Welding, 10 in CNC Machining, and 10 in Building & Construction Trades.“These programs were built on the belief that where a child lives should not determine the opportunities they have access to,” said Laura Percival, MiSTEM Region 12 Director at COP ESD. “Six of our ten local school districts have no Career and Technical Education programs. Our students deserve opportunities to see, touch, build, create, and experience careers that can lead to living-wage employment right here in Northeast Michigan. Students do not know what they do not know until we intentionally expose them to these possibilities.”Unlike traditional summer enrichment, COP ESD’s camps are intentionally designed around career immersion. Every camp includes hands-on, project-based learning that allows students to actively experience a profession while also visiting a local employer or business to see the workplace firsthand and interact directly with industry professionals.Offerings span a wide range of in-demand fields, including skilled trades, healthcare, engineering, robotics, drones, childcare, agriculture, veterinary science, surveying and geospatial technology, electrical careers, and more.Highlighted experiences this summer include:Mapped Out: Surveying & Geospatial Technology Camp, where students work with advanced surveying tools, drone mapping technology, and spatial data systems;Next Generation Engineers, featuring engineering design challenges and visits to innovative regional manufacturers;Healthcare Career Camps hosted in partnership with Munson Healthcare Otsego Memorial Hospital, McLaren Northern Michigan Cheboygan Campus, Onaway EMS, Indian River Veterinary Clinic, and Huron Veterinary Clinic;Skilled trades camps in Welding, HVAC, Electrical, CNC Machining, Building Trades, and Heavy Equipment;Agricultural career exploration, careers working with children, and much more.Regional employer participation is one of the defining strengths of the COP ESD program. Beginning with the use of the Industrial Arts Institute as the primary host site for many camps, community partnership has been a foundation of the initiative since its inception. This summer, nearly 80 business and community partners are collaborating to provide tours, instructors, materials, certifications, workplace experiences, and career mentoring for students. “When students get real tools in their hands and industry professionals by their side, everything shifts. They begin to see themselves in these high‑demand careers and understand the pathways to get there. That’s why strong community partnerships matter—they build confidence, skills, and a stronger future for our region.” — Tamara Ward, Executive Director, Industrial Arts InstituteThe growth of the initiative continues to demonstrate strong student and employer demand. During summer 2025, COP ESD served 240 students, facilitated 219 industry certifications, and partnered with 79 business and community organizations to deliver career-connected learning experiences.“Our goal is simple,” Percival added. “We want students to be able to see themselves in these careers, understand the pathways available to them, and realize they can build a successful future without leaving the communities they call home.”Registration for COP ESD High School Academies is now open. Registration for STEM Career Exploration Camps opens Friday, May 1.Complete camp descriptions, flyers, and registration links can be found at:www.copesd.org/programs-services/cte-programs/Media Contact:Laura PercivalMiSTEM Region 12 Director, Cheboygan-Otsego-Presque Isle ESDpercival@copesd.org231-238-9394 ext. 1418Photos, camp flyers, and interviews are available upon request.
Location: COP ESD region
Website: www.copesd.org/programs-services/cte-programs/
Phone: 5178193437
Join us for the most fun you'll have all summer!A Fun Run (or Walk) for the whole family!July 11, 2026Registration & Check: 7:30 amMichigan Beach Park Pavilion95 N Grant StreetCharlevoix, MI 49720Race begins at 8:00 amWear your favorite superhero costume! Don't have a favorite superhero? Create your own!Mom/Dad/Cousin/Hamster/Librarian/Kool-Aid guy your superhero? Do it!Odd Squad? Super Hero Elementary? Penguin? Absolutely! Just want to carry a light saber and wear an awesome cape? Bring it!Just want to be apart of the fun without a costume? Go ahead!Additional Details: Signs will be posted along the route. This event will go rain or shine so please dress accordingly. Strollers and leashed non-aggressive pets are encouraged. Parking is free. Water and small snacks will be provided at the end of the race. Swag bags available for the first 30 adults to sign up. All children will receive a swag bag until supplies run out.Route will begin and end near the pavilion at Michigan Beach, run along Park Avenue and Lakeshore Drive before turning around and returning along the same route. Sign will mark the 3K and 5K turn around spots.All proceeds go to support Safe Haven Ministries CHX a local non-profit that has been loving and serving the residents of the Charlevoix community for 13 years through free bi-weekly breakfasts, summer feeding program for lower income students, free school supply distribution, and an emergency men's winter homeless shelter.
Location: 95 Grant Street, Charlevoix, MI 49720
Website: https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/Charlevoix/SummerInDisguise
Phone: 2313306145
Greatest farm market in the north!! Saturdays 10-3 beginning May 16 thru September 26th. Fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh baked goods, maple syrup, honey, soap, artisan crafts and more!!
Location: AuSable River Center, 211 N Main Street Roscommon
Phone: 989-745-2940
Join Made in Cheboygan this weekend as we support local crafters and provide you with a fun and unique shopping experience. We will be hosting a large assortment of crafters selling jewelry, home decor, pottery, clothing, toys, kitchen essentials, custom printed shirts and mugs and more.
Location: Washington Park, Downtown Cheboygan
Website: Http://www.Facebook.com/madeincheboygan
Phone: 2314200800
The Protected Waters (see July 10 event) adventure continues with a hands-on workshop designed for young explorers! Children ages 5 to 9 are invited to discover the wonders of aquatic ecosystems through a fun mix of science, art, and storytelling alongside visiting filmmakers and creators of the video series Protected Waters Jennifer Idol and Alex Rose.During this interactive two-hour workshop, kids will:Explore chemistry by discovering the pH scale through a colorful activity using baking soda and dye.Get creative by coloring their own aquatic plants and animals to see how different habitats fit together.Learn about nature by building a connected food chain to see what happens when a single link is removed.The workshop wraps up with a lively sea-creature puppet show, giving children the perfect chance to create and share their own stories inspired by the magic of the underwater world.This event is free, but to prepare the needed materials, please sign up through the attached website.This event is part of a larger weekend event with Filmmakers Jennifer Idol and Alex Rose. Learn more at their event listing for the Friday night Protected Waters viewing.
Location: 500 West Fletcher Street Alpena, MI 49707
Website: https://www.simpletix.com/e/aquatic-ecosystems-kids-workshop-tickets-279163
Phone: 3137372087
Motorcycle Rescue RallyHosted by: Tribe Farms Motorcycle ClubJuly 11, 2026$10 Motorcycle Rider $15 Motorcycle Rider and Passenger10:00 Ride starts Cheboygan County Humane Society1536 Hackleburg Rd., Cheboygan, MichiganKickstands up at 10:30Ride Finishes at The Dirty Duck7015 Twin Lakes Road, Cheboygan, Michigan10% of food cost donated to CCHS1:00 & 3:00 50/50 drawingt-shirts being sold at CCHS & The Dirty Duck $25.00
Location: Cheboygan County Humane Society & The Dirty Duck
Phone: 610-463-6707
Show me the money, every Saturday 1 to 3 pm excluding July 4th. Open to the public
Location: American legion luzerne, mi post 162
Phone: 810-543-1940
