Museum School wins $10 million grant

The Grand Rapids Public Museum School has been recognized by the XQ Super School Project and awarded a $10 million grant. (Read more about the contest here.)

Faculty and staff from Grand Valley's College of Education and Center for Educational Partnerships contributed to the design and creation of the Museum School because of their expertise in place-based education. The Museum School, which opened in fall 2015 and is located in the Grand Rapids Public Museum, is a collaboration with several community partners including Grand Valley, GRPM, Grand Rapids Public Schools, Kendall College of Art and Design and the City of Grand Rapids.

Kevin Holohan, assistant professor of secondary teacher education at Grand Valley, attended the XQ Super School Project awards and Super School Team Builders Week in Washington, D.C. September 13-16. Holohan is a core design team member for the GRPM High School that is scheduled to open in 2018-2019. He contributed to the development of the grant proposal through focus groups and collaboration with other community partners.

Several faculty members have supported the Museum School in various capacities, including holding education courses in the school, serving in an advisory capacity and having College of Education students assist with tutoring and mentoring.

Faculty members include Paula Lancaster, director of teacher education; John Shinsky, interim special assistant to the dean for community impact; Monica Harris, associate professor of special education, foundations and technology; and Erica Hamilton, assistant professor of leadership and learning. 

Read more about the Museum School in Grand Valley Magazine .