Utica Community Schools, U of M-Flint partnership will provide university programs at district site

The Utica Community Schools Board of Education has formalized an agreement
that will provide university experiences for students and residents through the
University of Michigan-Flint, a member of the internationally-renowned
University of Michigan.

Both educational institutions will begin a partnership that will create
dual-enrollment and college level programs in Utica Community Schools at Magahay Elementary, located on Hall Road just west of Schoenherr Road.

“This partnership will allow us to focus on a common vision for a university
center within the Utica Community Schools that will serve our students, parents
and families,” Superintendent Dr. Christine M. Johns said. “This innovative
partnership will support our ongoing commitment to graduate students who are
well-prepared for successful post-secondary experiences.”

“We are delighted to be partnering with Utica Community Schools,” said
Provost Dr. Gerard Voland. “The partnership succinctly delineates our commitment to community engagement particularly as it relates to supporting K-12 initiatives. The planned dual-enrollment and academic programs provide a unique opportunity for the University of Michigan-Flint to join Utica Community Schools in helping the regions’ students pursue their higher education goals.”

The partnership has already allowed the district and university to further
educational opportunities and an Education Specialist program for interested
staff members. This January, University of Michigan-Flint will begin offering
exclusive dual enrollment opportunities to qualifying Utica Community Schools
students at the Magahay site, which was closed as an elementary during a
facility consolidation in 2010.

Future plans for the university center include the establishment of virtual
learning opportunities, an early college program through the University of
Michigan-Flint, and program offerings for residents pursuing four-year degrees,
according to school and university officials.

Board of Education President Dr. Carol Klenow said the local presence of
University of Michigan-Flint will allow Utica Community Schools to provide access to students and local residents.

“Certainly having it in our own backyard adds value for our community,” she
said.

Board Vice President Gene Klida said the location fills an important need for
the region.

“For everyone in Macomb County this is a huge step forward for that college
culture,” she said.

The partnership will expand on a large portfolio of options available to
Utica Community Schools’ families. These offerings also include: comprehensive
high schools with nationally-recognized Advanced Placement programs; an
International Baccalaureate high school; a Center for Mathematics, Science and
Technology; The Utica Center for Science and Industry; the AdvancePath Academy for students needing to earn additional credits for their diploma; a Mandarin  Immersion program; and an elementary Montessori program.