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Helping communities grow future teachers
Michigan’s education system is facing an alarming teacher talent crisis, and nowhere is this felt more profoundly than in urban school districts. Students in these districts are at a signifi cant disadvantage with fewer resources and can ultimately pay the price. “The teacher talent shortage is a major crisis for Michigan and at its heart is the growth and development of our kids as the talent that will drive our future economy,” said Dr. Richard J. Pappas, Davenport University President. “Davenport University is committed to developing and supporting teachers who will not only be able to address the talent shortage our schools are experiencing but will also be well-prepared to address the unique needs of future students to ensure their success.” One way the university is living up to its commitment to address the teacher talent gap is by off ering two innovative scholarship programs to 10 schools statewide. The STEM Educator Scholarship will provide up to $12,000 in funding for 75 individuals each year toward earning a
Bachelor of Science in Urban STEM Education. Each scholarship will be renewable for up to four years, at a maximum of 30 credit hours per year. The aid may be applied to a variety of costs, including tuition, fees, books, meal plans, and housing. The new scholarship programs help Grand Rapids Public Schools was the fi rst schools “grow their own” district to sign up to participate in the STEM Educator Scholarship and is optimistic about the future of education in urban districts like theirs. “Davenport University has been an instrumental partner in helping us enhance the learning of our current staff to address the unique needs of our students for the last decade,” said Dr. Leadriane Roby, Grand Rapids Public Schools Superintendent. “Their approach to weekly mentorship has been revolutionary, and we are thrilled now to extend this scholarship to our students, staff , and community.” The Urban Education Scholarship Program will provide up to $12,000 in funding per individual, each academic year, toward earning a Bachelor of Science in Urban STEM Education or up to $7,000 per academic year toward earning a Master’s in Urban Education or the Urban Education Graduation Certifi cate. The Pontiac School District also signed up to participate in the Urban Education Scholarship Program and is looking forward to working with Davenport University to make a diff erence in its community.
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NEW AGREEMENTS CREATE TEACHING TALENT
Dr. Leadriane Roby, Grand Rapids Public Schools Superintendent, Kelley Williams, Pontiac School District Superintendent, and Dr. Pappas, President, Davenport University, sign agreements for new scholarship programs.
“We are thrilled to work with Davenport to create scholarship opportunities for our students, staff , and community to address the real teacher talent crisis our community is facing,” said Kelley Williams, Pontiac School District Superintendent.
Participating school districts will be eligible for 75 scholarships; up to 25 for current students, up to 25 for school employees, and up to 25 for parents of students currently enrolled in the school district. Individuals are eligible for a scholarship if they have not attended Davenport University as a student in the past 12 months.
School systems interested in these programs are required to sign a memorandum of understanding and work collaboratively with Davenport to encourage students, employees, and parents of the school to pursue a degree in urban education or urban STEM education. The scholarship program is available on a fi rst-come, fi rst-served basis for up to 10 schools statewide.
Davenport University’s College of Urban Education aims to train and support elementary and secondary teachers and administrators in the urban setting and ultimately improve the academic performance of their students. “The College of Urban Education is designed to prepare future teachers to help children succeed academically by learning strategies that meet students where they are,” said Dr. Susan Gunn, Dean of the College of Urban Education for Davenport University. “We off er bachelor, master, and certifi cate programs in urban education to develop culturally responsive teachers and educational leaders with classroom experience and mentorship introduced on day one of their programs.”
To learn more about the College of Urban Education or these scholarship opportunities, visit davenport.edu/schoolpartnership or email urbaneducation@davenport.edu.
