UCS students learn how innovation drives the region

It all starts with innovation.

That was the message Utica Community School high school students heard when they attended the “Driving Innovation and Engagement: The Role of the URC in the Motor City” luncheon at the Detroit Economic Club.

The Outreach Program, sponsored by Michigan DEC members, allows students from local area schools the chance to experience a Detroit Economic Club meeting and have the opportunity to meet a respected speaker, and gain networking experience in a professional business luncheon setting.

The 16 students heard from Dr. Mark Schlissel, President of the University of Michigan, Dr. Lou Anna K. Simon, President of Michigan State University and Dr. M. Roy Wilson, President of Wayne State University speak about the University Research Corridor which has helped the resurgence of Detroit with economic, academic and health initiatives.

Before the meeting, students had a question/answer reception with the university presidents and heard how research is a “people business, making a difference in people’s lives.

"Research used to be individuals in their own labs and it is now collaborative. Students need to apply cutting edge knowledge and share it with the community,” according to Dr. Schlissel and Dr. Simon.

Dr. Simon also noted that students, especially those who want to become entrepreneurs, “need to learn how to fail before the big opportunity comes along. Students need to fail so they can learn from their mistakes and move on.”

The students enjoyed the opportunity to hear about the commitment to the City of Detroit.

“We can’t improve Michigan without improving Detroit,” according to Dr. Wilson. “Detroit is an integral part of Michigan.”