Partnering With Early College STEM High Schools For Progress

| Shelley Stern Grach

Our progress as a nation can be no swifter than our progress in education. The human mind is our fundamental resource. – John F. Kennedy

You read the headlines every day about Chicago Public Schools…so do I.  We worry as taxpayers, we worry as parents, we worry about the viability of Chicago as a global center of innovation. Well, stop worrying and head over to Lake View High School to lift your spirits and quiet the naysayers. It’s all working there!

Partnering With Early College Stem High Schools For Progress

Microsoft has had the pleasure of partnering and supporting Lake View as corporate sponsor for the Early College STEM School (ECSS) program. 2015-16 was the school year that ECSS really took off at Lake View. With a terrific new principal, a motivated team of administrators and faculty, and increased clarity on the Computer Science 4 All program at CPS, Microsoft and Lake View created value-added programs to help STEM and STEAM come alive for the students:

  • Microsoft supported Lake View’s Open House with a group of volunteers and full demo day for parents and prospective students
  • Microsoft provided tours for incoming students and we are planning tours and career discussions for parents at the Microsoft Technology Center
  • Lake View students participate in the ISTI STEM Challenge, competing first at Lake View as part of their STEM curriculum, then representing Lake View at a statewide event.
  • Microsoft is supporting summer internships for Lake View Students, focusing on real world, paying jobs in the STEM field.

Why take it from me? Listen to the Lake View Students and Principal Grens in WTTW’s latest feature here.

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Shelley Stern Grach

They say that great work stems from a combination of passion and commitment, something that Shelley certainly possesses when it comes to her life and career. She currently serves on the boards of the Women’s Business Development Center, the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, Thrive Chicago, Year Up and LISC Chicago. At Microsoft Chicago, she’s the Director of Civic Engagement, working at the intersection of computing and community, promoting STEM programs and using Microsoft technology to spur growth in the community. So no matter if it's work, play, or giving back, Shelley always makes sure her drive and professionalism help her complete her life's goals.