Cleveland High School Focused on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math to Open Thanks to Efforts of Cleveland Business Community

Thursday, August 07, 2008

Cleveland, Ohio, August 7, 2008 - Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) CEO, Dr. Eugene Sanders, is today announcing the District's alliance with GE Consumer & Industrial, and GE's agreement to host the freshman class of the new Regional MC2STEM High School at its Nela Park campus.

This innovative alliance will provide freshmen with a dynamic real-world learning environment with a foundation rooted in science, technology, engineering and mathematics - STEM.

While working toward becoming a premier school district in the United States of America, Dr. Sanders is committed to providing schools of choice. "I want to create opportunities for our students by investing time and energy on initiatives that will significantly impact teaching and learning," says Dr. Sanders. "MC2STEM High School is a regional school with a STEM curriculum that will prepare our students for 21st century jobs."

GE's Nela Park campus was built nearly a century ago, making it the world's first industrial park. Over the years, the site has been home to many of the lighting industry's most innovative research and development efforts, producing significant lighting products that benefit people around the world.  "The unique and innovative nature of the STEM concept fits very well with our heritage and culture," says Michael B. Petras Jr., President & CEO - GE Lighting & Industrial.  "Our employees, who represent a multitude of functions, are excited about the potential opportunities this new model of excellence in education will provide to students and our role in helping to make a positive impact on the students' educational careers."

"The Cleveland business community supports Dr. Sanders' efforts to create specialty schools that will train the workers who will help fuel and transform Cleveland's economy.  MC2 STEM High School is a powerful example of the positive outcomes that can be achieved when the region's business and civic leaders work together in partnership with the Cleveland Metropolitan School District," explains, Joe Roman, president and chief executive of The Greater Cleveland Partnership.  He continues, "The Greater Cleveland Partnership is committed to finding ways to ensure that the skills needed by the region's employers are reflected in education that is being delivered in our schools."

MC2STEM Hub, a public-private partnership of 55 organizations was developed to oversee the establishment of the District's new STEM high schools. 

Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson believes that the education of our children is everyone's business.  "MC2STEM Hub is an example of regionalism.  It's an effort that could not have happened without all of our strengths as a region working together towards a common goal," says Mayor Jackson.

Funding Supports District Efforts

Business community support, led by the Greater Cleveland Partnership (GCP), played a vital role in the creation of MC2 STEM High School.  Through its non-profit affiliate, GCP led a private sector campaign to raise capital and retain Marous Brothers Construction to manage renovation efforts of the building at Nela Park that will be transformed into classrooms.

The GCP worked with several of its business members and other community funders to mobilize almost $3 million for this initial phase of the project.  Confirmed and anticipated contributors include, Forest City Enterprises Charitable Enterprises, Eaton Charitable Fund, Key Foundation, Parker Hannifin Foundation, The Cleveland Foundation, The George Gund Foundation and the Sherwick Fund. 

The Cleveland Foundation and George Gund Foundation also granted $325,000 each, a total of $650,000, over the next 12 months in continued support of planning, design and start-up of new schools, including the STEM and early college high schools opening in the fall. The Ohio State Department of Education provided $600,000 for this initiative through the Ohio Stem Learning Network.

Office of New and Innovative Schools

The Cleveland and George Gund Foundations each granted $500,000 to the CMSD over the next two years, a total of $1 million, for the Office of New and Innovative Schools. Funds will cover start-up and operating costs, including hiring a senior executive for new schools, program director and executive assistant. The District will provide approximately $100,000 over the next two years to support the office.

The Office of New and Innovative Schools will oversee all aspects of new school development, from strategy to school planning, opening and operation. It also will support existing opportunity schools of choice, including the single-gender and Ginn academies; the Cleveland School of Science and Medicine and School of Architecture and Design, both housed at John Hay High School; as well as the Cleveland regional MC2STEM and Design Lab Early College High Schools.

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