WMCAT

  WMCAT names its new Executive Director. We talk to Jamon Alexander about his new opportunity and vision for this West Michigan Center.

 Inspired by calls for greater racial justice this past year, students and artists at WMCAT have designed a Black History Month t shirt available in Meijer Stores. We talk to artist Jasmine Bruce and WMCAT's Trudy Ngo-Brown.

Weekly we focus on the work of area individuals and organizations advancing equity in our community. This morning from WMCAT we welcome Jamon Alexander, Director of Workforce Development. Joining the discussion is WGVU Grants Manager, Steve Chappell. This weekly segment is part of a grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.

 Work is being done to address inequities in West Michigan and to advance community prosperity, thanks to WMCAT. We talk to ED Daniel Williams about the upcoming WMCAT 20/20: Exploring Conflicting Visions for the Future.

The West Michigan Center for Arts + Technology reminds us that in recent years the city has received national attention as one of the best places to live, while also receiving attention as one of the worst places for African Americans on the economic spectrum. WMCAT seeks to bridge the inequities gap.

 A local cyber hub hosts 2 free virtual cybersecurity events open to the public, with topics ranging from technical demos to inequities in the sector. We talk to Program Manager Anthony Tuttle, Cyber Hub at WMCAT.

 We talk about the anti-racism work in our community, despite the closing of the local 501C3 Partners for a Racism-Free Community. All intellectual property has been given to Public Agency at WMCAT. WMCAT's President and CEO Daniel Williams shares the going forward plan.

Daniel Williams is the president and CEO of the West Michigan Center for Arts and Technology, a Grand Rapids’ nonprofit education and training organization. Williams was one of 11 applicants replacing the seat held by the late Deb Bailey.

Before heading WMCAT, Williams was the principal at University Preparatory Academy, a Center of Innovation school within Grand Rapids Public Schools.

“I felt compelled to apply for the position and because to support her and her legacy was really a humbling gift. The idea of even being able to follow her was such a big deal to me. “

 WMCAT Student Esteban Clark wins a National Award for an important photo! We talk to Esteban and Teaching Artist Mike Saunders about the award winning photo, "False".

  Sixty eight awards were given to GRPS High School Students in the WMCAT Afterschool Program. We talk about the award by the regional Scholastic Art and Writing Awards with Dennis Grantz and Javier Cervantes.

WMCAT's Step Year is a unique mix of college and career exploration, self discovery and interships, open to young adults 18-24. We talk to Program Manager Brandy Arnold, with applications due Nov 1.

  WMCAT's Daniel Williams in the house, recently appointed by the Governor, an MI-STEM Council member, the goal to represent nonprofit organizations that promote science, tech, engineering and math ed.

The National Endowment for the Arts has awarded two West Michigan organizations with grants supporting educational programming. Nearly 1,600 organizations submitted Art Works applications to the National Endowment for the Arts. Of the 977 grants awarded, only two West Michigan-based institutions received a portion of the $80 million Arts Endowment.

Grand Rapids City officials gathered Wednesday to cut the ribbon on the West Michigan Center for Arts and Technology’s (WMCAT) new westside headquarters on First St. The new 22,000 square foot facility is nearly double the size of WMCAT’s previous main office downtown, and provides after-school and summer arts and technology programs, as well as career training in medical coding, medical billing and pharmacy technician fields to under and unemployed adults.

Daniel Williams is the CEO and President of WMCAT. He says the new space is about more than just a bigger building.

WMCAT's Adult Career Training program provides access to economic security. We talk to Program Director Jamon Alexander for details.