Who We Are
Muskegon Public Schools (MPS) has earned designation as a Ford Next Generation Learning (Ford NGL) community, making it only the fourth district in Michigan - and first along West Michigan’s lakeshore - to achieve this recognition. This milestone follows two years of due diligence and collaboration with over 80 community members to develop a Master Plan for transforming MPS into a community-connected hub of career-focused teaching and learning.
Key initiatives include:
● Career-Focused Learning: MPS launching the Innovation Academies of Muskegon Public Schools (I AM)
● Community Engagement: Forming a Convening Council to link MPS with local businesses and organizations
● Graduate Readiness: Establishing a Portrait of a Big Red Graduate, which identifies character traits to be incorporated
Ford NGL communities have demonstrated success through higher graduation rates, increased academic achievement, lower dropout rates, and industry certifications earned in high school. Districts in the Ford NGL network have shown increased student engagement at both the high school and postsecondary levels, developing more robust ties between educators and local employers, generating a stronger talent-development pipeline for high-demand careers, and boosting community prosperity.
What We Do
The Innovation Academies of Muskegon Public Schools (I AM) are designed to create career/college pathways for every MPS student, ensuring that all Big Red students develop the academic and workplace skills needed to thrive. By engaging with local industry and community partners, students gain real-world insights and a clearer vision for their future.
