Westland- Wayne-Westland Community Schools is one of 18 local school districts across the state to receive the Future Proud Michigan Educator EXPLORE Grant from the Michigan Department of Education (MDE). This program will further develop opportunities for students to explore educational careers. The Future Proud Michigan Educator EXPLORE program grants will expand access to future educator programs and inspire students in grades 6-12 to serve their communities as future educators.

"EXPLORE programs are an important part of widening access into teacher preparation,

especially as districts look to grow their own future educators," said State Superintendent Dr. Michael Rice. "Students need pathways to the educator profession that are clear, accessible, and well-supported. The EXPLORE grant opportunity, among others, was made possible by

unprecedented funds from the state legislature and the governor to support the educator

workforce."

Grantees will receive $15,000 per school to design an EXPLORE program specific to their local district or expand current programming. MDE will partner with the grantees by consulting on program design and implementation and providing free curricular resources and professional learning for EXPLORE instructors.

"We have many future educators in our classrooms right now in Wayne-Westland Community Schools. This grant will allow us to support our students interested in the teaching profession by providing in-depth knowledge and hands-on learning experiences," said Wayne-Westland

Community Schools Superintendent Dr. John Dignan.

EXPLORE programs promote the profession and affirm students who have already committed to a career as an educator. Proposed student opportunities include visiting Michigan's educator.

At Wayne-Westland Community Schools we develop champions in the classroom, in competition and in life. We have an opportunity to attach the past to the present to design the future direction of our District. We believe in the power of one person. The actions of one lifts us all. Come take off at Wayne-Westland Community Schools.

Great Futures Start Right Here! preparation programs, tutoring younger students during summer learning, partnering with a mentor teacher, and celebrating college decisions at a Future Educator Signing Day.

About Wayne-Westland Community Schools

Wayne-Westland Community Schools provides the best educational opportunities for our 9,500 students from Westland, Wayne, Canton, Dearborn Heights, Inkster, and Romulus. Wayne-Westland Community

Schools has an early childhood center that serves children from birth to age five, ten elementary schools (K-5), three middle schools (6-8), two high schools (9-12), an innovative academy and an ultra-modern

facility for career-technical training. Great Futures Start Right Here! For more information, visit

https://www.wwcsd.net .