MARQUETTE, Mich. (July 6, 2026) – Educators across the Upper Peninsula will have a new
opportunity this July through U.P. Educator Externships to step inside local workplaces to meet
regional employers, and bring a stronger understanding of U.P. career pathways back to their
students.
The 2026 One U.P. Educator Externships are a partnership between Upper Peninsula Michigan
Works!, InvestUP, the MiSTEM Network, and regional ISD/RESAs. The initiative will help
teachers and guidance counselors gain a better understanding of local career opportunities so
they can bring that knowledge to their students as they consider their futures after graduation.
The first externship will take place Wednesday, July 8, at the Marquette Forensics Lab. Media is
invited to attend this event to see the program in action and to speak with regional partners.
Additional externships are scheduled for Wednesday mornings on July 15, July 22, and July 29
at locations across the Upper Peninsula.
Many students are unaware of the full range of career opportunities that exist in the Upper
Peninsula. At the same time, local employers continue to look for ways to build stronger
connections with the region’s future workforce. With this program that brings educators directly
into U.P. workplaces, the externships help close that gap.
“Students cannot pursue opportunities they do not know exist. This program gives educators a
closer look at the employers and careers in their own communities, so they can help students
understand that a strong future does not require leaving the Upper Peninsula,” explains Amy
Berglund, InvestUP Director of Business Initiatives.
Through the externships, educators will explore how classroom content applies in real work
settings. They will also learn what local employers do, what skills they need, and what career
pathways are available for students across the region. The goal is to give educators firsthand
information they can share in classrooms, advising conversations, and career planning.
InvestUP CEO Marty Fittante states, “Many students are surprised by the range of careers
available in their own backyard. By putting educators directly in front of local employers, this
program helps make those opportunities more visible and more connected to what students are
learning every day and hopefully, in the end, induces the students of today to become the local
leaders of tomorrow.”
The July 8 event has generated strong interest from educators and will help launch a month of
externship opportunities across the U.P. Program partners hope the series will help build closer
relationships between schools and employers and help more students see what is possible for
themselves in the Upper Peninsula.
Upper Peninsula Michigan Works! CEO Debb Brunell states, “Teacher externship company
tours give educators a firsthand look at today’s workplaces, helping them connect classroom
learning to real career opportunities and better prepare students for the jobs available in our
communities.”
Educators, administrators, and counselors interested in learning more and registering for a visit
can reach out to Chris Standerford of Central UP MI-STEM Network at (906) 227-2092 or email
at cstander@nmu.edu
Media Event Details:
What: One U.P. Educator Externship
When: Wednesday, July 8, 2026, 9 a.m. ET
Where: Marquette Forensics Lab, 1924 Industrial Pkwy
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