Exploring outreach opportunities with Michigan schools

Since Central Michigan University’s founding in 1892, the university has been a leader in preparing the teachers of tomorrow. Now, thanks to funding from the Go Grants initiative, CMU hopes to build on its history of outreach to PK-12 schools through an innovative feasibility study.

Led by Troy Hicks, interim associate dean of the  College of Education and Human Services, the college is exploring the possibility of creating an office to support outreach efforts that would serve as a hub to provide youth programs, professional development and evaluation services to PK-12 partners across the state.

“This office would allow us to deepen our relationships with districts, schools, and individual educators by offering services that meet their current and emerging needs,” Hicks said. 

The proposed office would coordinate faculty efforts and outreach and serve three primary roles: 

• Professional Development: Coordinating workshops, webinars and on-site training sessions tailored to PK–12 educators. 

• Research and Evaluation: Partnering with districts to conduct studies and provide evidence-based recommendations on pressing educational issues. 

• Youth Programs: Offering events that are designed for PK-12 youth to introduce them to career possibilities in the fields of education and human services. 

Hicks and his team began the planning process this past fall by gathering input from more than 100 PK-12 educators through surveys and focus groups. In January, a group of 15 faculty members volunteered their time and expertise to review data from PK-12 partners and imagine opportunities for additional outreach efforts.

Building on CMU’s existing programs, such as  the Literacy Center, the  Chippewa River Writing Project, both  Fashion and Sneaker Design camps, and DeafBlind Central, this feasibility study will create a roadmap that President MacKinnon, Provost Lancaster, Interim Dean Goodwin and other CMU leaders can use to determine the viability of such an office.  

“This is about more than offering ‘training,’” Hicks said. “It’s about building a collaborative network, all across Michigan, that supports educators, many of whom are our alumni. Also, it can help students reach for aspirational goals related to college and career.” 

Go Grants in Action is a year-long series that shares the stories of how CMU students, faculty and staff are making a positive impact on the people and communities we serve through the Go Grants initiative.