Kalamazoo Experiential Learning Center

05/24/2026

We are rooting, cheering and sending our best wishes to Heron Bothwell. She's in Washington DC to represent all of us in the National Scripps Spelling Bee. Thanks to MLive.com, The Kalamazoo Promise; Kalamazoo Public Schools, and a number of private donors, Heron could go and experience this amazing learning opportunity. As a KPS (1975) graduate, we couldn't be prouder. This is why we love what we do at KELC.

05/12/2026

Calling all car enthusiasts! 🏎️✨

Join us this Friday, May 15th, for the 2026 Roof Sit Vader Nation Car Show at Southland Mall! Vader Nation will be out there from 7 PM to 9 PM showcasing some incredible rides for a great cause.

Come through to check out the cars and enjoy:
🏆 Best of Show Awards
🎟️ Raffle Drawings
🎁 Awesome Prizes

It’s going to be a fantastic evening in Kalamazoo supporting the Community Healing Centers. Whether you’re a die-hard gearhead or just looking for some Friday night fun, we can’t wait to see you there!

For more info, visit www.communityhealingcenter.org/roof-sit/ 📢

04/02/2026

We are so very honored to be part of the event team with the beyond-amazing and incredible venture. Our student interns are learning what it means to create and design an event structure that supports story-telling and entrepreneurial believability. These students are our future. And, if you go beyond the nine winners who have made it this far, you will also see the incredible business ideas that are just waiting to be launched. It's actually life-changing.

04/01/2026

Lunch is on us! 🥗
Curious as to how Holland, MI creates such an amazing place for shopping, eating and pure enjoyment? We are too! Join us for free lunch and lets learn together how we can support our downtown Kalamazoo retailers and restaurants!

This Monday, April 6th, we’re thrilled to host Kara de Alvare, the Principle Shopping District Coordinator for Holland. Kara will be sharing her expert insights on how Holland creates those iconic, high-impact events that keep their downtown buzzing year-round.

Come hungry for knowledge (and food!) and enjoy learning about how Holland uses events to build a stronger downtown and engaged community.

🗓 Monday, April 6
🕙 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 The Exchange Building, Suite 1501
🔗Register now at https://1stMondaysLunchnLearn.eventbrite.com

Learn from Holland, Michigan’s PSD Coordinator, Kara deAlvare on how to make downtown events relevent and successful.

03/19/2026

We believe that learning happens every day. And, so does spelling. Is spelling learning? Absolutely. How many of you are "stopped in your tracks" trying to figure out how to spell a word? Imagine standing on a stage with EVERYONE WATCHING... Terrifying?

Not to these students. The Kalamazoo Public Schools were the only schools who said "Yes we can." Bravo to Kalamazoo Public Schools
Thanks MLive.com and PNCand The Kalamazoo Promise for helping to support this year's Kalamazoo Spelling Bee happen this Saturday. If you want to see amazing students, come join us on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. at Chenery Auditorium. It's Free to attend.

The winner advances to the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. Last year's champion Josiah Loehrke returning to defend his title at Chenery Auditorium.

03/18/2026

Ready to elevate your downtown event game? 🏙️✨

Join us for our next 1st Mondays Lunch-n-Learn on Monday, April 6th! We’re thrilled to host Kara de Alvare, the Principal Shopping District Coordinator for Holland, Michigan. Kara will be sharing her expert insights on what it takes to create relevant, successful events that truly activate a downtown space.

Whether you're a seasoned planner or just starting out, this hands-on workshop offers practical solutions and a deep dive into what makes (and breaks) community events.

🗓 Monday, April 6
🕙 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 The Exchange Building, Suite 1501
🔗Register now at https://1stMondaysLunchnLearn.eventbrite.com

03/06/2026

Sometimes Fridays are perfect days to reflect on what you have accomplished. We don't do it enough, but when we do, it's really fun to say....we helped make that happen.

We helped to make this event happen on February 26 and it was so engaging and rewarding to see amazing conversation, a reconnection between sellers and buyers, and a recommitment to do more to actually put money in "bank accounts" that help to sustain our emerging businesses. This is events. This is what we do.

The Reach Forward Conversations Event brought local entrepreneurs, product sellers, and buyers together to spark connections that could lead to contracts, growth opportunities, and stronger small-business networks in the Kalamazoo area.

03/01/2026

We hire WMU Students. Do You?

On March 20, KELC Events is joining with the WMU Sports and Event Management Club (SEMC) to host the first ever Sport and Event Management Career Fair at Wings Event Center. We need about 5 more local organizations to join us and host a booth at the Event.

The cost is $100 to host a booth and it is a fundraising event for the club so that they can continue to host events, speakers, and provide memberships for students who can't afford to join. Join us in helping to connect WMU Event Management and WMU Human Performance and Health Education in career networking opportunities through professional events that build pathways to professional development.

02/20/2026

Ever feel like the logistics of planning an event are more stressful than the event itself? 🤯 If the thought of permits and street closures gives you a headache, we’ve got you covered.
Join the Kzoo Event Academy for our next Lunch ‘n’ Learn! We’re diving deep into the "high-stakes" world of public space logistics so you can activate streets and parking lots like a pro.
📍 The Details:
Topic: Events: How to Close a Street or Parking Lot in Downtown Kalamazoo
When: Monday, March 2nd | 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Where: Mayor’s Riverfront Community Room
Cost: FREE!
💡 What’s in it for you?
Expert Advice: Hear from 4 expert-led panelists on permits, infrastructure, and risk management.
Hands-on Learning: Participate in a specialized "mapping" session.
Networking: Connect with fellow event enthusiasts in the community.
Don't let red tape stop your vision. Let’s build better events together! 🏗️✨
🔗 READY TO JOIN? Sign up at: https://Lunch-n-learnevents.eventbrite.com

12/22/2025

There are so many reasons you should "bee" at the 2026 Kalamazoo Spelling Bee !

Students will grow and learn all throughout this program! Spelling is an important skill, and working hard on the Spelling Bee will set students up for success. Spelling bees are much more than just spelling though; students will improve on skills such as public speaking, problem solving, and sportsmanship!

To take part of a spelling bee is to set your students up for success! Don't miss your opportunity to enroll your school in the 2026 Kalamazoo Regional Spelling Bee! Enrollment closes December 31.