A partnership between the City of Sterling Heights and Utica Community Schools that inspires an entrepreneurial spirit in students has been highlighted as part of a national effort to promote innovation in manufacturing.
The science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) partnership Velocity Jr. was recently highlighted at the first-ever “Maker Faire” on June 18, hosted by President Obama.
The White House event was designed to increase awareness of the great potential for boosting innovation and entrepreneurship in manufacturing, in the same way that the Internet and cloud computing lowered the barriers to entry for digital startups, creating the foundation for new products and processes that can help to revitalize American manufacturing.
“Velocity Jr. is a critical element in providing the foundation that will keep the entrepreneurial spirit alive in our communities,” UCS Superintendent Dr. Christine Johns said. “This spirit will allow our region to remain a leader in STEM research and development.”
Sterling Heights Mayor Richard Notte echoed Dr. Johns’ comments, stating that partnerships like Velocity Jr. are key to motivating and training the highly skilled workforce of tomorrow.
“Sterling Heights’ advanced manufacturing community offers high-paying jobs for those who are skilled in STEM curriculum,” Mayor Notte said. “We will continue to work with our educators to promote these fields of interest to our young people to advance our robust economy and exceptional quality of life. We’re excited to have this innovative program recognized by the White House and highlighted nationwide.”
The Velocity Jr. partnership was featured in a report issued by the Mayors from the Manufacturing Alliance of Communities (MAC), which participated in the national event. The report - Maker Mayors Action Report: How Cities are Fueling Maker Movement Across the USA. – wrote that the “the City and UCS have invested in this unique endeavor which benefits not only students, but their future employers who have a critical need for the STEM skill set.”
Housed at Rose Kidd Elementary School, Velocity Jr. is a complement to the economic development efforts housed at the Velocity Collaboration Center in Sterling Heights, a center for business incubation and economic development, targeting defense, homeland security and advanced manufacturing.
Now in its third summer, Velocity Jr. is offering more than 20 STEM-related camps for students in kindergarten through high school.
For information, visit http://www.ucscommunityeducation.com/ce_home0.htm
