Now Enrolling for 2025-2026 School Year

Grades 8-12

Empowering people to do for themselves.

Help empower youth through trades, creativity & enterprise

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PROGRAMS OFFERED

(Grades 8-12)

Construction

Students get hands-on building experience while learning how to safely use tools, read measurements, and work as a team. This program helps build confidence, responsibility, and pride in creating something real.

Career Pathways: Construction, carpentry, framing, apprenticeships, skilled labor careers

Basic Building Maintenance

Students learn practical skills like basic repairs, maintenance, painting, and safety checks—skills they can use at home and on the job. This program builds independence, accountability, and job readiness.

Career Pathways: Facilities maintenance, property management, painting

Nail Tech

Students learn nail care basics, sanitation, and creative design while building professionalism and customer service skills. This program is perfect for students interested in beauty and self-care careers.

Career Pathways: Nail technician, cosmetology, salon careers, entrepreneurship

Fashion Design

Students unleash their creativity while learning how clothes are designed and made. From sewing basics to design concepts, this program encourages self-expression and hands-on creativity.

Career Pathways: Fashion design, tailoring, merchandising, creative entrepreneurship

Culinary

Students learn cooking basics, kitchen safety, and food preparation while having fun in the kitchen. They gain life skills that promote independence and teamwork—plus everyone enjoys the results!

Career Pathways: Culinary arts, food service, catering, hospitality careers

Electrical

Students are introduced to electrical systems through hands-on learning and safety-focused training. This program builds technical skills and sparks interest in high-demand trade careers.

Career Pathways: Electrical trades, apprenticeships, construction technology

Janitorial

Students learn professional cleaning techniques, time management, and workplace responsibility. The program offers real-world job experience while helping students develop strong work habits.

Career Pathways: Custodial services, facilities operations, entry-level workforce experience

T-Shirt Printing

Students design and print their own custom t-shirts while learning about creativity, branding, and production. This program blends art with business skills and hands-on learning.

Career Pathways: Graphic design, printing, small business ownership, creative careers

Urban Farming

Students learn how to grow food from seeds, care for plants, and understand sustainability. This hands-on program promotes teamwork, responsibility, and giving back to the community.

Career Pathways: Agriculture, environmental science, landscaping, sustainability careers

Class Times: Mon-Thurs
2:30-5:30 PM

Transportation & Dinner provided

Monday – Thursday: 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM

What Our Community Says

Hear from students, parents, and community partners about their experiences with New Connections of Kalamazoo

“I really enjoyed my Urban Farming trade; I learned a valuable skill that I believe will help me in my future.”

Akeela B

Student

“I really enjoyed my urban farming class! because learned new information about how to grow certain plants indoors and which one lasted and which ones failed and succeeded”

Nakirra M

Student

“This program was extremely fun! it taught me a lot of things like how to bake pies and how to make noodles from scratch in Culinary. It also taught me how to wire a 3-way light bulb in my electrical trade It also gave me a certificate in CPR”

Kitty

Student

“The transportation and dinner provided make it so much easier for working families. My daughter has discovered her passion for culinary arts and is thriving in this program.”

James Thompson

Parent

“NCK gave me the foundation I needed to pursue my dream career. The skills I learned here are still helping me today, and I’m grateful for the opportunities this program provided.”

Lisa Park

Former Student

Get In Touch

Have questions about our programs? Want to volunteer, donate, or partner with us? We’d love to hear from you!