Month’s First Day Puts Mission Into Action

June 05, 2012

June is the month when the school year wraps up around here. But, this year, the first day of June allowed the Foundation’s mission to be demonstrated, front and center, at two iconic Detroit locations.

Last Friday was a day for learning at the Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix, as the race made its return to Detroit. Through support from the Grand Prix, PNC Bank and the help of the Foundation, DPS 5th graders and pre-schoolers got to see cars in the garage areas and up-close on the track, while learning about math and science. I saw how excited the kids got when they saw race cars right in front of them. One called it “amazing.”

The lessons learned at the Grand Prix were connected to the classroom, as well as their personal interests, which is a combination that can make learning fun and effective. Most of these children would never have visited the Grand Prix if not for this opportunity, even though they live in Detroit. We look forward to bringing more students to learn on Belle Isle during next year’s race.

Later that day, our mission was on display, so to speak, at the Detroit Institute of Arts. There, volunteers from the DPS Volunteer Business Corps gathered for a reception to recognize their volunteer efforts throughout the school year. While at the DIA, they were able to see a DPS student art exhibition. The Corps features business volunteers committed to helping schools and students in Detroit. The Foundation was pleased to sponsor this reception through generous support from Sodexo. Corps members got to see how their business’ investment helps fund student success which led to, among other things, original art at the DIA.

Three of our top priorities – STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), early childhood education and arts education were having an impact on the same day. It shows the real power of support for our Foundation.

 

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