Lapeer Community Schools is proud to announce a partnership that will bring a research-based Biomedical Sciences program to Lapeer. Thanks to a generous grant from the McLaren Foundation, high school students in the District will have the opportunity to prepare for college and career with courses ranging from human medicine to microbiology. The courses will be provided by Project Lead The Way (PLTW), the leading provider of rigorous and innovative science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education in the United States.

“This partnership combines the strengths of two leading organizations in our community and creates immense value for our students and the workforce,” said Bart Buxton, President and CEO, McLaren Lapeer Region. “We are confident that the PLTW Biomedical Sciences program will promote not only academics, but also career interest in the constantly changing field of healthcare. By engaging students in the study of biomedical fields, we are training our region’s next generation of healthcare professionals.”

PLTW’s comprehensive curriculum has been collaboratively designed by teachers, university educators, biomedical professionals and school administrators to hone the real-world problem solving skills in students. PLTW’s project-based model is proven to increase levels of student engagement and achievement.

“We are excited to support this program,” said Tim Turkelson, Board Chair, McLaren Lapeer Region Foundation. “The investment we are making over the next three years will not only prepare students to be successful in the biosciences, but will help meet the demanding healthcare needs of our community.”

LCS Superintendent Matt Wandrie, who was instrumental in bringing PLTW to the District last year, believes this new program is another example of public-private partnerships bringing real-world expertise into the classroom.

“This generous gift ushers in a new world of opportunity for our students, one that does not exist in many places,” Wandrie said. “This is a great fit for us, and what we hope is the first of many partnerships between two organizations vital to the future of our community.”

The foundational course, Principles of Biomedical Science, will be offered starting next month; full implementation of the curriculum is set for the 2018-19 school year.

For more information, visit LapeerSchools.org.