Michigan is known nationwide as a leader in online learning for K-12 education. Since 2004,
Michigan Virtual University (MVU) has been helping to build that reputation. Though the non-profit, which was created in 1998, shifted their attention to K-12 learning, President & CEO Jamey Fitzpatrick recalls pleading with principals and superintendents to help utilized 100 scholarships for online students. Last year, MVU enrolled 24,000 students from 500 Michigan schools.
MVU has been going along with K-12 online learning. The organization currently employs a staff of 50, and Fitzpatrick expect that number to grow to 70 to 75 by the end of this school year.
“We’re a very fortunate situation in that online learning is really starting to take off,” Fitzpatrick says. “It really is exciting to be a part of this incredible transformation we’re starting to see.”
Fitzpatrick explains the role of MVU as that of change agent, service provider and capacity builder for online learning throughout Michigan. As the prevalence of online learning continues to grow in the state, so too will MVU’s role.
“The one thing we’re embarking on right now is we’re constantly trying to update our online content, and part of our goal there is to make the online experience fun and enjoyable,” Fitzpatrick says. “We’re constantly looking for partners in the industry to assist us.”
Enjoy this story?
Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.