The notion that high school students feel underprepared for post-secondary education is hardly breaking news, but some educational institutions are taking strides to rectify this issue. According to the PR Newswire report citing the Question The Quo Education Pulse survey, "less than half [of high school students] feel prepared for their education after high school." Addressing these concerns, Center Line Public Schools has embraced a novel approach through the Ford Next Generation Learning program, transforming how they ready students for life beyond the classroom.
Among the districts in Macomb County, Center Line, alongside Romeo Public Schools, has transitioned to the Ford NGL model. This initiative, which started back in 2021, aims to restructure the traditional K-12 system by introducing robust educational foundations and fostering strong ties with the community. According to the PR Newswire, the Academies of Center Line offers students two primary avenues: Industry, Technology and Innovation, and Health and Human Services, with branching pathways including fields like engineering technology and public service.
Wolfe Middle School is helping students explore career paths early by partnering with local nonprofits Forgotten Harvest and Gleaners. Sixth graders in the Academy Explorer 6 Digital Design and Communication class worked on a semester-long project focused on design and marketing. The Macomb County Planning and Economic Development team provided expert guidance to help the students learn about marketing and design strategies, as reported by the PR Newswire.
On December 18, 2024, the students had the opportunity to showcase the fruits of their labor, presenting their marketing campaigns to an audience that included Forgotten Harvest and Gleaners representatives, as well as their own teachers and parents. This collaboration between the Center Line Public Schools and the MCPED has not only continued but has evolved, with plans for the MCPED team to assist with new sixth-grade projects this coming April and to witness their final presentation in June, as per the PR Newswire.
