Health & Fitness
Utica Center for Science and Industry earns its second major education award for 2012
UCSI honored by the Michigan Association of School Boards
The Utica Center for Science and Industry (CSI) is two for two this year.
The 9-12th grade districtwide program - which is celebrating its first set of graduating seniors in June - is one of only 27 programs throughout the state to receive an Education Excellence award from the Michigan Association of School Boards.
CSI has been nominated for prestigious honors twice this year, and has earned the top spot both times. Earlier this school year, UCSI was named Education Program of the Year by Automation Alley.
"The Utica Center for Science and Industry connects academics with real-world applications and personalizes learning for our students," superintendent Dr. Christine Johns said. " It is fitting that these two major recognitions come at a time when the first graduating class is leaving the program with direct experiences in college and career readiness.”
UCSI is a high school program housed at the Instructional Resources Center that encompasses three courses of study: Engineering Technology, Mechatronics - or the study of engineering disciplines to produce complex robotic devices - and Multi-Media Technology. Students spend half of the school day at their home high schools and travel to CSI for the other half for an integrated, thematic curricula that teaches rigorous high school content expectations in mathematics, English language arts and the core technical curriculum.
CSI students in all three areas will finish with a portfolio, extensive experiences working with industry experts - both in school and the workplace - and complete courses designed in partnership with post-secondary partners, such as Macomb Community College and Michigan Technological University. The partnerships allow students enrolled in all three programs to earn articulated college credit while still in high school.
Initially established through a federal grant, the UCSI program services approximately 280 students in grades 9-12.
The Educational Excellence award from MASB recognizes programs that focus on student achievement to create an innovative solution to address needs.
Approximately 27 programs across the state are honored in eight categories. UCSI was honored in the Creative and Media Arts category.
"This year's winners clearly know what it takes to positively impact student achievement," said Kathy Hayes, MASB executive director. "Our public schools are stepping up to get the job done."
The programs will be honored at a lucheon hosted by MASB and program co-sponsors SET SEG School Insurance Specialists at a May 9 luncehon.
Earlier in the school year, UCSI The Utica Center for Science and Industry (CSI) has been named Automation Alley's Educational Program of the Year.
Automation Alley, Michigan’s largest technology business association, recognized CSI at a gala event that honored leaders in business and industry. The Utica Center for Science and Industry was selected by a panel of judges as the sole educational program honored this year based on its vision and influence.
