Reminder: News at the U!

A Message From Our CEO

Happy New Year, U Prep Community!

What are your New Year’s Resolutions? If you are like me, you traded in your new year’s resolution (how I want to start the year) for end-of-year goals (where I want to be at the end of 2022). The promise of a new year brings new ideas, perspectives, and dreams. If we are to take full advantage, we must think about how we want the story to end. At U Prep, soon we will begin ramping up plans for the 2022-23 school year, we get to design with our end in mind. We are honored to have you as partners in this new year’s journey.

Join us in this edition of News at the U! as we share an update about our new Ford Law Academy career pathway at UPA High School. Keith Young of EcoTek shares what our scholars in the UPSM district have been learning and discovering in the Engineering and Urban Ecology career pathway. You’ll also read the latest from our alumni and gain insight into community service opportunities as part of scholar’s graduation requirements with U Prep Schools.

I am also excited to announce that the Michigan Charter Teacher and Administrator of the Year nominations are open. Last year our very own School Director, Kimberly Llorens, received this honor for her courageous leadership. Find out how to nominate your favorite educator below.

In Community and Partnership,

Danielle Jackson, CEO

U Prep Schools

Ford Law Pathway Scholars Gain First-Hand Experience with Law

The new four-year Ford Law Pathway program launched this school year at UPA High School. Only two schools in the nation have been selected to offer this unique pathway program that will excite and empower students who want to prepare for a future as a lawyer or explore legal career opportunities in a focused educational experience.

Our scholars have already begun making strides in their career ambitions towards law through real-life situations.

Ford Law Updates

Meet Juantez Bates

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: Juantez Bates, a member of the 2014 UPA High School class, went on to graduate from Bowling Green State University with a degree in Political Science. Juantez now works at UPSM Middle School as a Senior Mastery Coordinator. Find out more about Juantez’s unique experience as an alumnus now working for U Prep below.

Juantez’s U Prep Experience

U Prep Scholars Partake in High-Level Research Through EcoTek

EcoTek is a research lab and program focused on providing academically gifted students in middle school and high school with opportunities to participate in international scientific research projects. This experience gives scholars first-hand experience in a research lab and can provide potential opportunities for college and career. Find out more about the high-level research that our scholars at UPSM are taking part in at the link below.

U Prep and EcoTek

Service Involves Scholars in the Community

We believe that community service is an essential experience for our scholars, and it is a requirement for all graduating seniors. Serving the community helps scholars develop skills that they can apply to a variety of life situations and post-secondary goals. Find out more about how our scholars serve the Detroit community at the link below.

Community Service at the U

The U Crew Collective is Back!

We’re excited to share the relaunch of our monthly CEO Blog "The U Crew Collective" next month. February’s article will offer a sneak peek into a U Prep teacher’s experience during the pandemic. Ms. Wade, an educator at UPSM Middle shares the joys and the creativity, innovation, and longstanding change that COVID brought to the school community. Look for February’s issue, PANDEMIC! HOMESCHOOL! VIRTUAL SCHOOL! OH MY! in mid-February.

Nominate Your Favorite

U Prep Educator Today!

Each year, MAPSA offers the opportunity for Michigan Charter School educators to recognize the outstanding teachers and administrators in their school community. Last year our very own Kimberly Llorens was honored for her extraordinary leadership.

Kim Lloren, 2021 Honoree

We’re happy to announce the 2022 nominations are now open for Teacher and Administrator of the year. Our network is composed of teachers and leaders who go above and beyond to ensure that academic excellence is offered to every U Prep scholar. Share their greatness and nominate them by clicking on the link here.

The deadline to nominate is Friday, January 28, 2022. Nominations are 100% anonymous.

February Birthdays and Anniversaries

Help us celebrate! We have several birthdays and U Prep anniversaries in February. Click the links below to wish our Crew members a Happy Birthday or Happy Anniversary.

Crew Birthdays

Crew Anniversaries

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