Innovation in education is often synonymous with new technology, devices or digital platforms. While those tools certainly play a role, across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula – Region 1 of MASSP – we are seeing a different and more meaningful definition take shape. Innovation here is not simply about what we use, but why we use it. It is about meeting the needs of our students in ways that are relevant, authentic and deeply connected to the communities we serve.
Region 1 schools are proudly rural. That reality presents both challenges and opportunities. Distance, population size and limited access to resources can be barriers – but they also push us to think creatively. With today’s technology, our rural context is no longer a limitation; it is a launching point. We are leveraging digital tools to bring the world closer to our students while simultaneously strengthening the ties within our own communities.
One of the most powerful shifts we are seeing is the intentional connection between schools and community partners. Alumni networks, local businesses and regional organizations are becoming active participants in the learning process. Through virtual connections and in-person collaborations, students are gaining access to ideas, mentorship and inspiration that extend far beyond the classroom walls.
An example of this innovative thinking comes from Marquette Senior High School, where Amanda Erspamer and her team kicked off the school year by intentionally engaging local businesses and connecting them directly with students. This approach not only builds awareness of career opportunities within the region but also helps students see a future for themselves right here in the Upper Peninsula. It transforms school from a place of preparation into a place of real-world application and connection.
At Kingsford High School, we have taken a similar approach by forming a partnership with our local Small Business Alliance. Together, we are designing learning experiences that align directly with workforce needs – particularly in manufacturing. This includes rethinking courses like Algebra II to incorporate hands-on, applied learning experiences that mirror real industry challenges. Students are not just learning concepts; they are using those concepts to solve problems, contribute ideas, and help expand the footprint of local businesses. This level of engagement creates purpose in learning and builds confidence in students as contributors, not just learners.
What makes these efforts truly innovative is not the program itself, but the mindset behind it. We are moving beyond traditional structures and asking a simple but powerful question: What do our students need to be successful after they leave us? The answer often leads us outside the walls of our buildings and into partnerships that are mutually beneficial for schools, students and communities.
In Region 1, innovation is grounded in relationships. It is fueled by collaboration. It is sustained by a shared commitment to student success. Whether it is engaging alumni from across the country, bringing business leaders into classrooms, or designing coursework that reflects real-world applications, our schools are embracing a model of education that is both forward-thinking and community-centered.
The most important outcome of this work is clear: helping our students achieve success. By thinking outside the box and intentionally engaging the communities around us, we are not only preparing students for their postsecondary goals – we are empowering them to see themselves as capable, connected and ready for what comes next.
In the 906, innovation is not about keeping up, it is about leading in a way that reflects who we are and what our students need most.