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Utica Center for Science and Industry named one of state's best programs

UCSI one of 27 programs earning "Michigan's Best" awards

The Utica Center for Science and Industry is one of Michigan's Best
programs.

The 9-12th grade districtwide program - which celebrated its first set of
graduating seniors in June - is one of only 27 programs in the state to
receive an Education Excellence award from the Michigan Association of School
Boards.

The "Michigan's Best" honor is the second major honor earned by the UCSI
community over the past year. The program was also recently named the
Educational Program of the Year by Automation Alley.

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In presenting the award, judges credited staff, parents, students and the
community for creating a program that is considered a model through the rest of
the state.

"It takes an amazing team to create the environment possible for a program
like this," said Laura Wotruba, of the award's co-sponsor, SET SEG Insurance.

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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 graduate 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
nearly 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."

In addition to the Michigan's Best award, UCSI was named Automation
Alley's Educational Program of the Year.

Automation Alley, Michigan’s largest technology business association, also
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 to be honored for its vision and
influence.

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