Van Buren Tech Celebrates 50 Years of Career and Technical Education
Van Buren Tech is marking a major milestone in 2026 by celebrating 50 years of providing high-quality Career and Technical Education (CTE) to students across Van Buren County!
To honor this achievement, Van Buren Tech will host a 50-Year Celebration Open House on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at 250 South St. Lawrence, MI.
The event is open to former students, current students, alumni, former & current staff, and community members who want to experience how the program has grown and evolved over the decades. Guests can take guided tours throughout the facility, explore program showcases, and view student projects that highlight the depth and diversity of learning at Van Buren Tech. The event also provides a unique opportunity for alumni to reconnect with former classmates and instructors while seeing how programs have evolved.
Food trucks will be available on-site with food for purchase, including Kurbside Food Truck, The Mobile Crave, Pig’s Head BBQ, and Sweet Stacks & Sodas Locas, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.
A special Staff Legacy Recognition Hour will take place from 6:00 to 7:00 PM, honoring the educators and staff who have contributed to the success of Van Buren Tech over the past five decades. This portion of the event is reserved for current and former staff and their guests and will include a 50-year recognition, time to share memories, and a dessert bar.
Originally known as the Skills Center, Vo-Tech, and later the Technology Center, Van Buren Tech has a long history of preparing students for success beyond high school. Today, VBT offers 25 programs that provide hands-on learning opportunities, industry-recognized certifications & credentials, and college credit through partnerships with colleges, universities, and local businesses. Career and Technical Education plays a critical role in bridging the gap between education, college, and the workforce. As Van Buren Tech celebrates this milestone, the focus remains not only on its rich history but also on the future of Career and Technical Education in Van Buren County. The programs continue to evolve to meet the needs of today’s students and tomorrow’s workforce, ensuring that hands-on, career-focused learning remains a vital part of education in the community.