West Michigan Regional Airport is proud to be an ambassador for IChallengeU, a two-week summer internship program offered by the Ottawa Area Intermediate School District’s FuturePREP’d initiative. Running June 15-25, 2026, the program gives current 9th-12th grade students the chance to gain real-world work experience at local businesses and earn college scholarship opportunities.
Throughout the program, participating students will:
- Network with local businesses
- Solve a real-world business challenge and present their solution
- Engage in Design Thinking
- Boost communication, collaboration and critical thinking abilities
- Explore future career options and interests
- Gain a deeper understanding of their strengths and career interests
Program Details
- Dates: June 15-25, 2026 (weekdays)
- Hours: 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m., with half days on Friday, June 19 and Thursday, June 25 (8:30 a.m.-noon)
- Cost: $50
- Included: Lunch, snacks, and transportation from the CTC to and from each work location
Programs like IChallengeU are a great way for young people to explore potential career paths. We deeply value our partnerships with local schools and love every opportunity to introduce students to the airport and the world of aviation. If you’d like your student to be introduced to aviation, check whether their school has a partnership with the airport.
For full program information and to apply, visit oaisd.org/futureprepd. Questions can be directed to ngitler@oaisd.org.
