Lawrence Tech And Ferndale Schools Partner To Launch University High School
FERNDALE, MI - Signing ceremonies are set for Jan. 12 to launch an exciting new high school next fall, developed in partnership between the Ferndale Public Schools and Lawrence Technological University.
The University High School, a four-year public school to be operated by the Ferndale Public Schools and a tuition-free public school of choice, will provide students with early college options and a pre-professional focus on preparing for executive leadership careers in the global automotive and related high tech industries, including engineering, design, planning, manufacturing, purchasing, logistics, marketing, sales, and service.
The school's rigorous, four-year curriculum will focus on developing core skills in science, mathematics, communication, and management that are the foundation for careers in high-tech fields key to Michigan's economy. Classroom experiences will be enhanced by direct career immersion made possible with industry mentors and Lawrence Tech educators.
Advanced students will have opportunities to earn college credit from Lawrence Tech while still in high school. Academically successful students will also be guaranteed admission to the University.
Admission is open to students who reside anywhere in Oakland County or any bordering county. Students will be able to apply for acceptance through Michigan's Schools of Choice process, and will be selected through a lottery in spring 2005 for admission in grades 9 and 10 next fall.
The Ferndale Schools Board of Education unanimously approved the project last fall and authorized Superintendent Gary Meier to establish an operating agreement and implementation between the Ferndale Schools and Lawrence Tech. The January 12 event commemorates the signing and public announcement of the school by the two institutions.
The project is partially funded through a grant awarded by Michigan Future, Inc. to Lawrence Tech. Michigan Future supports quality education programs to help prepare high school students for success in today's highly competitive and technological careers.
"Michigan Future recognizes that this innovative curriculum will better prepare students in math and science. Our expectations are high," said Charles M. Chambers, president of Lawrence Tech. "This new partnership is a natural extension of Lawrence Tech's long service to the automotive industry and recognizes its vital importance to this region and state. We look forward to collaborating with Ferndale Schools and developing students who are responsible, self-sufficient, critical thinkers and problem solvers who can contribute and succeed in the increasingly competitive global economy."
"The University High School is a wonderful opportunity for the Ferndale Schools to collaborate with Lawrence Tech and we look forward to expanding our relationship with the higher education community," added Meier.
A management advisory council is being established to oversee the school, a position has been posted for a new principal, and site location for the school will be selected within the Ferndale Public School District.
University High will be a Ford PAS school, where teachers establish ties with local businesses and the higher education community and can obtain assistance from industry specialists in keeping classroom learning up-to-date and relevant. Teachers gain access to exciting course offerings and innovative teaching methods they can carry into other courses. Teachers also have the opportunity for on-site real-life learning experiences and innovative professional development opportunities.
Source: Lawrence Technological University