IM Exploring: How Montcalm Community College Connects 7th Graders with AI and Future Careers

Preparing 7th Graders for the Future: AI & Careers at Montcalm Community College

Preparing the next generation for the modern workforce requires introducing them to tools and technologies that are actively reshaping every industry. Because educators are preparing students for careers that may not even exist yet, career exploration must begin well before high school graduation.

On a recent episode of the Discover Montcalm Podcast, host Duane Weed and co-host Stephen Rainwater (Business Growth Engine) welcomed Kevin Wagemaker and Steve from Montcalm Community College (MCC) to discuss an ambitious regional initiative: “IM Exploring: AI and Careers.”  Discover Montcalm Podcast is produced by DW Video.

Born from a Local Brainstorm at Montcalm Community College

The concept began during a planning breakfast at Margo’s in Greenville. Looking for ways to bring artificial intelligence and technology awareness to the community, MCC leaders partnered with local K-12 educators across Montcalm and Ionia counties.

State guidelines under the Michigan Career Development Model emphasize that formal career exploration should start during middle school. Recognizing that 7th grade is a pivotal age when curiosity and self-discovery take off, MCC designed an event specifically for this age group.

A Professional Conference Experience for Middle Schoolers in Montcalm and Ionia Counties

Scheduled for November 10, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at MCC’s Sidney campus, “IM Exploring” is structured to give students the authentic feel of a professional conference:

• Keynote Presentation: Students will hear from Ben Talsma of the Van Andel Institute, who brings deep expertise in engaging K-12 students with emerging technology.

• Breakout & Demo Stations: Rather than passively listening to lectures, students will move through self-paced indoor and outdoor demonstration spaces.

• College Campus Immersion: For many attending 7th graders, this event marks their first visit to a higher education campus, demystifying the college experience.

Interactive Demonstrations Across Real-World Industries

To illustrate that artificial intelligence and technology touch every profession, MCC has curated an expansive lineup of hands-on exhibits:

• Public Safety & Law Enforcement: The Michigan State Police are bringing specialized units, including marine division gear and bomb squad robotics.

• Student Peer Innovation: Dr. Adamson and middle school STEM students from Tri County will showcase practical robotics and AI projects they have built in the classroom.

• Agriculture & Aviation: Drone demonstrations by Flying Acres and modern agricultural tech displays will show how automation and imaging assist family farms and commercial operations.

• Trades, Design & Commerce: Local representatives from architecture, building trades, real estate, manufacturing, tool and die, and insurance agencies will demonstrate how automation handles mundane tasks so human workers can focus on higher-level problem solving.

Practical AI Literacy: A 5-Step Framework

During the podcast, Steve outlined a practical five-step roadmap for anyone looking to understand and apply AI effectively:

1. Identify the Problem: Clearly define what challenge you need to solve.

2. Provide Context: Feed relevant background information into your prompt so the tool understands the assignment.

3. Maintain Data Awareness: Exercise caution and discretion regarding what private or sensitive information you feed into public models.

4. Validate Results: Critically evaluate the response against personal expertise and credible external sources rather than blindly trusting the output.

5. Iterate and Refine: Treat AI as an assistant in an ongoing dialogue, adjusting your prompts to sharpen the outcome.

How Businesses and Community Members Can Participate

Montcalm Community College continues to welcome business partners, exhibitors, and demonstrators who use technology to solve problems.

To sign up as a presenter or access the official event flyer and details, visit the Montcalm Community College Facebook page.

To share your business, non-profit, or veteran story on the Discover Montcalm Podcast, contact Duane Weed at 231-250-9624 or visit discovermontcalmpodcast.com. Remember to buy and shop locally!

To share your business, creative venture, or local community project on the Discover Montcalm Podcast or with DW Video & Multimedia, contact Duane Weed at 231-250-9624 or visit discovermontcalmpodcast.com or dwvideo.com. Remember to buy and shop locally!

To feature your business, community initiative, or local event on the Discover Montcalm Podcast or Chatting Local, contact host Duane Weed at 231-250-9624 or visit dwvideo.com or chattinglocal.com.

To feature your nonprofit, community initiative, or local business on the Discover Montcalm Podcast or Chatting Local, contact host Duane Weed at 231-250-9624 or visit dwvideo.com or chattinglocal.com.

To feature your business, non-profit, or local story on the Discover Montcalm Podcast or Chatting Local, contact host Duane Weed at 231-250-9624 or visit dwvideo.com or chattinglocal.com.

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