MEPP

Coopersville High School’s one-of-a-kind engineering and manufacturing program that gives students hands-on experience and direct connections to West Michigan industry careers.

Coordinators/Instructors

Jean Arteaga
MEPP Coordinator/School Counselor
Phil Klein
Metals, Plastics, Woods & MEPP Prep
Matt Murphy
Woods, CAD, SolidWorks Certifications
Kelly Kroft
Coding/Computer Science
Ryan Schoenborn
Robotics & Science Club
Michael Hoch
Engineering

What is MEPP?

Manufacturing Engineering Partnership Program

The Manufacturing and Engineering Partnership Program (MEPP) is Coopersville High School’s one-of-a-kind K–12 engineering and manufacturing program built in collaboration with West Michigan industry partners.

Students gain early exposure to real career pathways beyond high school and college, along with meaningful opportunities to develop both technical skills and career-readiness. Students aged 16 and older can access a pathway to employment with our business partners during high school, after graduation, or following college. All partner companies offer college tuition assistance as part of their benefits package.

Learn more about MEPP →

MEPP by the Numbers

What MEPP Offers

Inside the MEPP Program

Career Exploration CAPS offers K–12 career exploration supported by MEPP partners through volunteering and financial assistance, including speakers, tours, job shadows, and STEM events.
Guaranteed Interviews MEPP partners provide guaranteed interviews and share job opportunities. CHS Student Services supports students with resumes and interview preparation.
MEPP Scholarship Students who complete MEPP Prep or apply for guaranteed interviews may qualify for scholarships supported by MEPP partners.
Electives CHS offers 17 classes that help students explore skills connected to the manufacturing industry as well as careers in technology, engineering, and the skilled trades.
Electrothon Engineering 1, Engineering 2, and Captains Engineering give students hands-on experience designing, building, testing, repairing, and racing electric cars.
MEPP Prep Class Juniors and seniors explore manufacturing careers through partner presentations and tours while building resumes, cover letters, and interview skills.
Middle School Camp Middle school students interested in industrial tech can attend a summer camp at the high school to explore the programs and opportunities available there.
Robotics CAPS has robotics teams in every building from grades 4–12. Students design, build, and program robots and compete locally, statewide, and nationally.

MEPP News & Media

MEPP News & Media

Stay up to date with the latest stories, student achievements, and program highlights from the Manufacturing and Engineering Partnership Program.

Stone Plastics - Success Doesn’t Follow One Path

For many years, the message to students has been consistent: go to college, earn a four-year degree, and success will follow. While that path is right for some, it’s not the only option—and for many, it may not be the best fit.

Across West Michigan, manufacturing continues to offer rewarding, stable, and well-paying careers that don’t require a traditional four-year degree. As demand for skilled workers grows, so do the opportunities for individuals who are willing to learn, work hard, and develop hands-on skills.

At Stone Plastics, we see this firsthand. Many of our team members began in entry-level roles and have grown into highly skilled positions through on-the-job training and continuous development. Careers in manufacturing today offer competitive wages, strong benefits, and clear paths for advancement—all without the burden of student loan debt.

We are proud to be part of an industry where someone can start with little to no experience and,

through effort and training, build a long-term, meaningful career. Roles in production, quality,

maintenance, and technical support all provide opportunities for growth and financial stability.

That’s why Stone Plastics proudly supports programs like MEPP. The MEPP program gives students early exposure to manufacturing through hands-on learning and real-world experience. It helps participants understand what modern manufacturing looks like while building the foundational skills that employers—like Stone Plastics—are actively seeking.

Just as important, MEPP helps students and families recognize that success doesn’t follow a single path. A four-year degree is one option, but skilled trades and manufacturing careers offer another—one that can lead to strong earnings, career advancement, and long-term stability.

At Stone Plastics, we are committed to investing in the next generation of talent and supporting

programs that help students explore all of their options. Because at the end of the day, success isn’t defined by a single path—it’s defined by finding the right one.

Brady Messock, 

CAPS graduate and Stone Summer 2025 Intern

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Garrett Finds His Path Through MEPP and DeWys Manufacturing

Coopersville High School student finds confidence, career direction, and real-world experience through MEPP and DeWys Manufacturing.

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