| An exciting future is in store for downtown Battle Creek! A remarkable number of positive developments and improvements have occurred, with many exciting opportunities about to unfold. Momentum is building and you can feel the wind of change blowing through the heart of our city. A downtown transformation project is underway with $85 million in public and private investments anticipated over the next three years. Read on to learn more about the plans to establish downtown Battle Creek as a vibrant, livable urban center. |
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| BATTLE CREEK AREA MATH AND SCIENCE CENTER
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The Battle Creek Area Math and Science Center is the top high school math and science center in Michigan. As part of our innovation growth strategy, talent development and attraction is vital to our community's growth. Battle Creek Unlimited is working with Battle Creek Public Schools, the Math and Science Center and area educators to explore enhancement of the delivery of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education for all school systems in Calhoun County. We are exploring enhanced STEM programming, facility and equipment & technology requirements, and the costs and feasibility of expanding the Math and Science Center in its existing location or a potential relocation to the former Cereal City USA building downtown. Decisions are expected to be made by December to enable potential improvements to begin in 2010.
The Math and Science Center should stand as a signature asset, testimony to the community's high commitment to advanced education. Proximity and connectivity to the research institutions would enable cooperative learning ventures, internships, and other relationships that will enhance the math and science output of the Center. |
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| MATH AND SCIENCE CENTER - NEWS
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For several years, the location of the Battle Creek Area Math and Science Center has been an issue. First, from the standpoint of location, it is located in an obscure neighborhood on the west side of town. Given the success of the Center, it should be located in a highly visible area where it can stand as a significant asset and testimony to the community's belief in the importance of education.
Secondly, it needs to be located in an area where it can facilitate better relationships between students and some of the area's most premier employers, such as the Hart Dole Inouye Federal Center and the Kellogg Company. The area will have a much better chance to retain and attract talent. This is best accomplished by linking students up to internships and co-op opportunities, thus, showing a career path.
Battle Creek Unlimited regards better and more accessible education in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) as a means to better prepare our young people for rewarding careers in the globalized economic system. Battle Creek Unlimited believes this may be the best way to address intractable issues like racial equity and income disparities. Therefore, part and parcel of a new and relocated Center will be a disproportionate emphasis on attracting minority students to the Center. |
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Enhance opportunities for internships, shared research opportunities, teaching and mentoring partnerships with higher education institutions related to food testing, food research, and food science curriculum.
This project can provide a variety of non-automotive employment opportunities that will require a higher degree of education than Battle Creek has ever known. Nonetheless, there will be new employment positions ranging from scientists to administrative to transportation to hourly employment. The vital aspect of urban development that can benefit vulnerable children is the array of local employment opportunities that could be available, not only to them, but to their families.
With the establishment of the National Center for Food Protection, Battle Creek Unlimited plans to collaborate with area educators and employers to establish internship programs that will allow area students the opportunity to increase their awareness of career options available locally. Also, Battle Creek Unlimited has been collaborating with area educators to enhance curriculum focused on food testing, food research, and food science in an effort to prepare area youth for such careers. |
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| Your opinion matters. We want to know your thoughts and ideas about the downtown transformation plan. Please email your comments to Cheryl Beard. |
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