Partnership aims to introduce students to entrepreneurship

For immediate release

Contact: Holly Hetzner, Innovation Initiatives Project Manager, holly.hetzner@primacivitas.org, (517) 708-4246

MVU-Prima Civitas will develop innovative learning programs

Lansing – With the goal of creating new and innovative learning programs for K-12 students, parents and teachers, Michigan Virtual University® (MVU®) today announced a collaboration with the Prima Civitas Foundation (PCF).

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by MVU President Jamey Fitzpatrick and PCF Chief Executive Officer Steven Webster establishes the general guiding principles of the collaboration which is designed to expand online courses and content focused on entrepreneurship for K-12 students, parents and educators.

“Our work with MVU supports our mission of encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation opportunities for Michigan youth,” notes Holly Hetzner, Innovation Initiatives Project Manager for PCF. “Our goal is to provide accessible, cost-effective resources that aren’t duplicative of anything currently available.”

As lead partners in this strategic alliance, MVU and PCF are committed to providing an innovative pathway for students to access quality online courses that introduce students to the concepts of entrepreneurism.

“We are excited about the opportunity this relationship will bring to Michigan school children to develop their 21st century skills for a knowledge-based economy,” Jamey Fitzpatrick said. “Prima Civitas Foundation has been actively working to shape Michigan’s K-12 entrepreneurial culture for the last six years through its Moving Ideas to Market Initiative and we are pleased to explore new and innovative learning programs with them.”

Students will be connected to opportunities to experience critical thinking and decision-making, financial management, job readiness, psychological development and other transferable skills sought by employers. Parent and educator-focused programs will explore how these influential stakeholders can promote entrepreneurial values in students throughout their academic and professional careers. The courses will be highly interactive, engaging and relevant, and will expand the current MVU® course catalog which includes Entrepreneur Business Management, Entrepreneur Business Planning and Business Ethics.