New Center for Arts and Technology

[GRDadof3]

Special effort aims to cut dropout rate

Tuesday, June 21, 2005

By Rick Wilson

The Grand Rapids Press

GRAND RAPIDS -- The leaders of Steelcase and Alticor are backing a new program aimed at keeping teens in school, turning around Grand Rapids Public Schools' high-school dropout rate, which stands at more than 30 percent.

Backers of the West Michigan Center for Arts and Technology planned a press conference today, touting the formation of a program they believe will help more students go on to college. The group includes Steelcase President James Hackett and Alticor President Doug DeVos, who are trying to raise $4.5 million to open the new center, at 98 E. Fulton St., in September.

Edit: Forgot to add the link: http://www.mlive.com/news/grpress/index.ssf