With the goal of creating new and innovative learning programs for K-12 students, parents and teachers, Michigan Virtual has initiated a collaboration with the Prima Civitas Foundation (PCF).
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by Michigan Virtual President Jamey Fitzpatrick and PCF Chief Executive Officer Steven Webster establishes the general guiding principles of the collaboration which is designed to expand online courses and content focused on entrepreneurship for K-12 students, parents and educators.
“We are excited about the opportunity this relationship will bring to Michigan school children to develop their 21st-century skills for a knowledge-based economy,” Fitzpatrick said. “Prima Civitas Foundation has been actively working to shape Michigan’s K-12 entrepreneurial culture for the last six years through its Moving Ideas to Market Initiative and we are pleased to explore new and innovative learning programs with them.”
As lead partners in this strategic alliance, Michigan Virtual and PCF are committed to providing an innovative pathway for students to access quality online courses that introduce students to the concepts of entrepreneurialism.
“Our work with Michigan Virtual supports our mission of encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation opportunities for Michigan youth,” notes Holly Hetzner, Innovation Initiatives Project Manager for PCF. “Our goal is to provide accessible, cost-effective resources that aren’t duplicative of anything currently available.”
Students will be connected to opportunities to experience critical thinking and decision-making, financial management, job readiness, psychological development and other transferable skills sought by employers. Parent and educator-focused programs will explore how these influential stakeholders can promote entrepreneurial values in students throughout their academic and professional careers. The courses will be highly interactive, engaging and relevant, and will expand the current Michigan Virtual course catalog which includes Entrepreneur Business Management, Entrepreneur Business Planning and Business Ethics.
About Michigan Virtual
Michigan Virtual is a private, nonprofit Michigan corporation established by the State of Michigan in 1998 to serve as a champion for online learning. It is the parent organization of the Michigan Virtual for Students and Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute.
About Prima Civitas Foundation
The Prima Civitas Foundation connects resources from throughout the state to help grow Michigan’s economic base in this new, global economy. The Foundation leverages knowledge resources, like those found at the numerous world-class universities and community colleges throughout the state, with public and private sector partners to address the challenges and opportunities that will define Michigan for the next century.
