CMU AUTHORIZES NEW CHARTER SCHOOL TO OPEN
MOUNT PLEASANT - At its December 4, 2003
open meeting, the Central Michigan University Board of Trustees
authorized the issuance of a charter contract to the Life Skills Center
of Metropolitan Detroit (the "Life Skills Center").
Life Skills Center is a tuition-free alternative high school program,
serving grades 9 - 12. "We believe that everyone deserves a quality
education that meets his or her individual needs, and that students who
have dropped out of school, or who are perilously close to doing so,
need a second chance," said Mark Thimmig, President and CEO of White Hat
Ventures, the educational service provider that will be managing the
operations of The Life Skills Center.
The Life Skills Center will provide a first-rate, quality education
aligned with all national and state standards, leading to a high school
diploma and full-time employment. The educational program is unique in
that it provides training in valuable life skills and addresses adverse
socio-economic circumstances that may hinder academic, vocational,
and/or personal success.
Thimmig added that, "by teaching a student how to learn, and by
equipping that student with vital life skills and vocational
opportunities, the Center's program empowers the student to continue on
the path to success."
Having successfully progressed through the rigorous and competitive
application process launched by Central Michigan University in January
of 2003, the Life Skills Center was selected as one of more than 30
applicants, based on its promising vision, quality educational program,
and sound business plan.
"The Life Skills Center concept is one we embrace. It will provide many
students with new opportunities and, for some, a second change," said
James N. Goenner, Executive Director, Central Michigan University
Charter Schools Office.
The Life Skills Center will be located at 3100 East Jefferson in
Detroit, where it will begin serving students in the summer of 2004.
CMU is the nation's foremost university authorizer of charter public
schools, expanding a tradition that started in 1892 when Central first
began educating teachers. Nearly 25,000 children are enrolled in the 56
charter public schools authorized by CMU.
Contact: Angela Irwin, Director of
Administration
Central Michigan University of Charter Schools
Daytime Phone: 989-774-2100
Email: quide1al@cmucso.org
For more information, visit www.whitehatmgmt.com