Cranbrook Institute of Science and Detroit Public Schools Advance Science Learning in DPS through Bosch Grant

BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich., Jan. 15, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Transforming science learning and strengthening academic performance among middle school students within Detroit Public Schools is the focus of a partnership launched with the support of a one-year, $150,000 grant from the Bosch Community Fund to the Cranbrook Educational Community. Cranbrook, Detroit Public Schools, and the Bosch Community Fund celebrated this partnership during a check presentation and school visit at Cranbrook Institute of Science today.

Maximiliane Straub, Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President of Finance, Controlling and Administration for Robert Bosch LLC and Vice President of the Bosch Community Fund; Roy Roberts, Emergency Financial Manager, Detroit Public Schools; and Dr. Michael Stafford, Director, Cranbrook Institute of Science, attended the event. Nearly 160 Detroit Public Schools students and 20 parents visited the Bat Zone and viewed an exhibit showcasing hatching baby salmon.

Cranbrook Institute of Science and Detroit Public Schools will use the grant from the Bosch Community Fund to offer students, families and faculty in-depth, hands-on exposure to science and technology with an emphasis on the mastery of core science concepts and heightened student achievement.

The collaboration offers nearly 1,000 students in Detroit Public Schools free, private field trips to the nationally regarded Institute of Science located in Bloomfield Hills, Mich. It will also provide professional development opportunities for up to 150 Detroit Public Schools teachers and free Institute memberships and special events to the families of participating students. And, next summer 30 students will have the opportunity to spend a week at a science day camp at the Cranbrook Institute.

"Bosch is proud to work with the Cranbrook Institute of Science and Detroit Public Schools so that students who are enrolled in Detroit Public Schools – and their families and teachers – can foster their love of math, science, engineering and other technical areas at the Cranbrook Institute of Science," Straub said.  "As we continue to grow our business, Bosch seeks to hire associates who excel in these important disciplines. In addition, instilling a strong knowledge base in these areas helps create meaningful jobs that strengthen the U.S. economy." 

"When we announced this partnership in January," Roberts said, "the enthusiasm district-wide was outstanding due to the impact that such an unprecedented collaboration with the Cranbrook Institute of Science could have on the learning experience of our students, particularly in the globally competitive fields of science and technology. Seeing this vision come to fruition — and now be expanded through grant funding from the Bosch Community Fund — confirms the positive outcome of community organizations forging a partnership to help students excel. Not only are our students, parents and educators being afforded a personalized learning and development experience, they are being exposed to educational growth outside of the classroom, thanks to the critical resources this partnership is providing."

Experiences for Detroit Public Schools students will focus on direct contact with Institute collections (considered among the country's finest private collections and boasting more than 150,000 objects and specimens), opportunities for personal contact with Institute scientists and educators, and core science education based on State of Michigan Grade Level Content Expectations. Busing and meals for all participating students are included and a significant series of evaluation tools will be used to measure the impact and outcome of the partnership.

"This dynamic project with Detroit Public Schools continues the Institute's commitment to serving Detroit's urban students, their faculty and their families," said Stafford. "Detroit's students deserve rich opportunities to explore and become inspired by the increasingly scientific world around them. We are absolutely delighted to have Detroit Public Schools as a meaningful partner. I am especially grateful to the Bosch Community Fund for helping make this collaboration come to life."

About Detroit Public Schools
Detroit Public Schools is creating Centers of Excellence at the district's 100 schools with the goal of educating students to perform at the highest academic levels. DPS offers a wide variety of educational advantages to students and parents including Individualized Learning Maps for all students, and Academic Blueprints for all parents. Students in grades 8-12 enjoy take-home Netbooks and students in grades 6 and up have access to Netbooks in school. DPS offers an outstanding Fine Arts Program with instrumental music, vocal music and dance. Ongoing advantages include nine new self-governing schools titled, the Detroit Rising College Preparatory Schools, and DPS-authorized charter schools led by educators with proven track records of raising achievement. In 2012, DPS graduates enjoyed more than $106 million in grants and scholarships. To learn more about Detroit Public Schools, visit www.detroitk12.org or call 313-240-4DPS.

About Cranbrook Institute of Science
Cranbrook Institute of Science is located at 39221 Woodward Avenue in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. Cranbrook Institute of Science is open Tues.-Thurs. 10am-5pm, with extended hours on Fri. and Sat. until 10pm, and Noon-4pm on Sun. Museum admission is $12.50 adults, $9.50 children 2-12 and senior citizens (65+); children under 2 and members admitted free. Friday evening admission 5-10pm, $6.50 Adults, $5.50 children ages 2-12 and seniors 65+, children under 2 and Members are free. Planetarium and bat program tickets are $5 general admission; $5 for CIS and OBC members; $1 for children under 2. Non-members must also pay museum admission. For more information about becoming a member of Cranbrook Institute of Science, call 248.645.3200 or visit http://science.cranbrook.edu.

About Bosch and the Bosch Community Fund
The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. In the areas of automotive technology, energy and building technology, industrial technology and consumer goods, more than 300,000 associates generated sales of 51.5 billion euros ($71.7 billion) in 2011. The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and roughly 350 subsidiaries and regional companies in some 60 countries. If its sales and service partners are included, then Bosch is represented in roughly 150 countries. This worldwide development, manufacturing, and sales network is the foundation for further growth. Each year, Bosch spends around 4.2 billion euros ($5.8 billion) for research and development, and applies for over 4,100 patents worldwide. The Bosch Group's products and services are designed to improve quality of life through solutions that are innovative and beneficial, as well as fascinating. In this way, the company offers technology worldwide that is "Invented for life." Additional information is available online at www.bosch.com and http://www.bosch-presse.de.

In the U.S., Canada and Mexico, the Bosch Group manufactures and markets automotive original equipment and aftermarket products, industrial drives and control technology, power tools, security and communication systems, packaging technology, thermotechnology, household appliances, solar energy, healthcare telemedicine and software solutions. Having established a regional presence in 1906, Bosch employs over 22,500 associates in more than 100 locations, with sales of $9.8 billion in fiscal year 2011.  For more information, visit www.boschusa.com, www.bosch.com.mx and www.bosch.ca.

The Bosch Community Fund, a U.S.-based foundation established in September 2011, awards more than $3 million annually in grants and contributions to various 501(c)(3) organizations and educational institutions. The BCF focuses primarily on the enrichment of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education and the advancement of environmental sustainability initiatives.

SOURCE Robert Bosch LLC