EMU Today

YPSILANTI – The Eastern Michigan University Board of Regents authorized the issuance of charters for two schools Friday (Dec. 14), Success Blended Learning Center (Success BLC) - Jackson and Success BLC - Saginaw.

The schools would operate under new five-year charter school contracts, commencing on July 1, 2019.

The two schools will open their doors as grade 9-12 schools that are focused on serving students who are:

·      Traditionally under-represented or under-served.

·      At-risk of dropping out (or have dropped out) of high school.

·      Required to work due to familial obligations.

·      Teenage parents.

·      Special education students.

Success BLC will provide students with a flexible, academic program leading to the completion of a high school diploma.  Program completion is supported through the offering of intense one-on-one support from certified staff and learning modalities aligned with student’s strengths, needs and schedules. 

Success BLC seeks to integrate two pivotal concepts that make the program successful: a person to count on and a safe place to learn. Graduates will earn a high school diploma.

Success BLC focuses on the following key elements to ensure student success:

·      Blended learning environment.

·      Highly trained, certified staff.

·      Community partnerships (enrichment, wrap-around services).

·      Job skills development.

·      Mastery earning.

·      World class facilities.

“We are proud and excited to authorize these two schools, which exemplify the focus and mission of the Eastern Michigan University Charter Schools Office,” said Dr. Malverne Winborne, Director of the Eastern Michigan Charter Schools Office. “These Success BLC schools serve an important, at-risk population of students with creative curriculum, a caring and highly competent staff and crucial skills training.”

The EMU Charter Schools Office focuses on authorizing schools located in an area of demonstrated educational need, and that have an innovative approach to addressing the needs of historically underserved populations. With the new schools, the office will be chartering 13 schools throughout southeastern Michigan.

The office does not operate the schools it authorizes; however, the office does appoint, develop and support individual school board members and oversees the financial and academic performance of its schools along with providing yearly assessments.  

About Eastern Michigan University

Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 19,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Health and Human Services; Technology, and its graduate school. EMU is regularly recognized by national publications for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website.