AIM for STEM Center

Wednesday, 30 April 2008 7:47PM

Detroit Science Center Breaks Ground On School Addition

The Detroit Science Center, in collaboration with the Thompson Educational Foundation, broke ground Wednesday on an 80,000 square-foot addition to the museum that will house University Prep Science & Math Middle School, a public charter school that will serve 486 students.
Also included in the addition will be a new museum lobby, cafe, gift shop and group welcome center.

The partnership between the Detroit Science Center and University Prep Science & Math will provide a unique opportunity for students and teachers to combine classroom learning with hands-on exhibits, dynamic theater shows and in-depth museum programs on a daily basis.
UPSM plans to open a high school at another location in 2010.

The Thompson Foundation is funding the $15 million middle school construction project and will lease the building to UPSM for $1 per year under an agreement that requires the charter school system to graduate no fewer than 90 percent of its students and send no fewer than 90 percent on to college.

"Our goal at the Detroit Science Center is to inspire children to get excited about engineering, technology and science and to encourage them to pursue careers in those fields," said Kevin F. Prihod, president and CEO of the Detroit Science Center.

"It's a natural step in the evolution of the Detroit Science Center to be affiliated with a school where we can not only inspire these children on a daily basis, but see them apply that inspiration back in the classroom. We look forward to collaborating with the school's teachers and administration to create innovative learning opportunities for its students utilizing our hands-on exhibits, programs and theater shows."

Margaret Trimer-Hartley, superintendent of UPSM, said the partnership is giving families in Detroit and across the metropolitan area a one-of-a-kind opportunity to prepare youth for the science, technology, engineering and math careers of the knowledge economy.

"UPSM's mission is to prepare students to pursue STEM careers at highly selective colleges and universities," Trimer-Hartley said. "Our rigorous and exciting program has already proven to be a regional magnet, drawing a diverse group of families from the city as well as the surrounding suburbs."

Construction on the new addition is starting this month with a spring 2009 opening. It will be located on the north side of the Science Center building in an area formerly used for parking. The architect is Gunn Levine. The general contractor is DeMaria. Both companies are based in Detroit.

More at www.detroitsciencecenter.org.

UPSM is a public charter school affiliated with the highly successful University Prep Academy system of schools. University Prep schools are small and focused on providing rigor, relevance and strong relationships through personalized learning, small classes and community partnerships.

© MMVIII WWJ Radio, All Rights Reserved.