BWL’s 1st STEP Program Returns in Full Swing with T3 Partnership

We’re thrilled to announce the return of the Board of Water & Light’s 1st STEP Program — the School to Training and Employment Program — in partnership with T3! After a pause during the pandemic, this impactful initiative is back and stronger than ever, giving Lansing-area high school seniors the opportunity to gain real-world experience and develop valuable workforce skills.

Since its launch in 2008, the 1st STEP Program has made an impressive impact:

• Nearly 150 students graduated

• Over 20 full-time hires

• More than $225,000 in scholarship funds awarded

The program’s excellence was also recognized with the Capitol Area Michigan Works Prosperity Award in 2014.

This year’s relaunch was powered by the energy and support of BWL staff and community partners. Special thanks to Dawn Plenar and Audrey Slavin for equipping our volunteers with essential training and documentation to ensure a successful experience for every student.

We also extend our heartfelt appreciation to the 12 CAMW staff and partner volunteers who conducted 14 interviews, providing a meaningful and professional learning experience for participants.

A big shoutout to our incredible volunteers who made this possible: Steenah Bedford, Erin McKenzie, Hauwa Abbas, Jay LaNew, Skeeter Parsons, John Adams, DJ Grubaugh, Micah Hefty, Dar Baker, and Robert Ramon — thank you for your time, expertise, and commitment to student success.

We look forward to many more successful partnerships in the future. Let’s keep building brighter futures together!