Third 90 Network

An Innovative Learning Model with Urban High Schools to Teach Environmental Science 

MCF is grateful for the seed funding for The Third 90 from a private donor and the partnership of Mr. Doug Ross, University Preparatory Academy of Detroit (UPA) founder and superintendent. Other project partners include Masco Corportion, the Wege Foundation and Ducks Unlimited.

The Third 90 Program reaches urban charter high school students in their sophomore or junior year to provide opportunities to participate directly, alongside MCF college students and faculty, in meaningful projects in environmental sustainability. This early engagement prepares the students to enter and complete college (at a 90% rate) by giving them a more realistic notion of college-level work, building their social and employment network, and introducing them to the distinctive brand of higher education available at MCF institutions.

 

Unique Opportunity in Environmental Studies
The initial project focused on wetland development, with four additional projects planned over the next two years.

Work on the pilot involved research on a variety of topics including inventorying waterfowl and wildlife, identifying native grasses and vegetation, documenting invasive plants, analyzing soil and water, monitoring the activity’s environmental impact, and planting native species.

This initiative also offers students at participating MCF institutions the unique opportunity to further their understanding of and commitment to environmental issues and challenges.

Opening New Possibilities for High School Students
For participating high school students, this project engages them in a challenging academic setting, working side-by-side with college faculty and students in a manner not generally available in urban high schools. The academic classroom was extended outdoors with extensive “hands-on” field and lab work and also across the high school and college continuum. The goal is that The Third 90 Program will prompt students to expand how they view their futures – from the colleges they consider, to the career possibilities they choose to pursue.

Other Third 90 projects will build on the success of this early work, as MCF scales this program to other urban hubs in Michigan.

To learn more, call MCF at 248.356.3114

 

 
Hands-on Work to Restore Wetlands
“The real beauty of this program, outside of the extraordinary environmental work, is the opportunity for UPA students to work alongside and interact with college students and professors in such a meaningful way and the mentoring that goes on. After participating in something like this, how the students view their future is expanded –from the colleges they consider to the career possibilities they choose to pursue.”
Bob Thompson
The Thompson Foundation