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The Genesee Intermediate School District (GISD) and the University of Michigan (UM) – Flint will host a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the new home for Genesee Early College (GEC). This early college high school program, operated by the GISD, will now be located at French Hall on the campus of UM – Flint, 327 E. Kearsley Street, Flint, MI 48503.
The new space located in the center of campus, will allow GEC students to feel fully integrated in the university culture. The classrooms will now be connected by skywalks and tunnels to the rest of the campus buildings.
WHAT:
Genesee Early College Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
WHEN:
Wednesday, August 30, 2023 | 3:30 p.m.
WHERE:
French Hall, University of Michigan – Flint, 327 E. Kearsley Street, Flint, MI 48503
Guests will enjoy music and light hors d’oeuvres, as well as an opportunity to take a self-guided tour immediately following the ribbon cutting. Free event parking will be available at the Harrison Street Ramp or Lot, 405 Harrison Street, Flint, MI 48502.
“On behalf of the students and staff at GEC, we want to thank, the University of Michigan - Flint and the Genesee Intermediate School District,” stated Robert McAllister, Principal of Genesee Early College. “Our students will now have a more integrated college experience providing them with even more resources and support on the college campus, while preparing them for greater high school and college success."
In 2007, this unique partnership between GISD and UM – Flint began from a grant through the State of Michigan and recommendations regarding dual enrollment and early middle college expansion in the state. It was part of a greater desire to integrate the educational systems into a K-16 progression, and to address critical shortages in several health related careers.
Over the years, GEC has transitioned its specialized curriculum to include university-level coursework for all career fields. GEC continues to be an intensive, state-of-the-art, five-year program providing students a head start on a four-year degree, with an opportunity to earn up to 60 college credits for free.
“We value our partnership with GISD. High school students add a layer of richness and vibrancy to the campus,” stated Dr. Suzanne Knight, Director for the Office of K12 Partnerships and Associate Professor of English Education. “The GEC had space needs, and it was a shared effort across many units at UM – Flint to try and meet those needs. In addition, the student experience continues to be a positive one, and we appreciate that a significant number of them choose to remain UM – Flint students after high school.”
The “Power of the Site” principle, locating a high school on a college campus, plays an integral part in student motivation. It is a visible symbol to the community of dual accountability for student academic success. Students that are treated as college students, see themselves as college completers. This is one of six design principles for early college programs across the country.
To learn more about the Genesee Early College, visit the Genesee Early College website,
https://gec.geneseeisd.org/.