The Education Experience Applauds Gov. Snyder's Focus on Education

DETROIT, Jan. 19, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- St. Vincent and Sarah Fisher Center said it applauds Gov. Rick Snyder's commitment to education as highlighted in last night's State of the State Address.

The governor stated that one of the state's dashboard measures, college readiness among students, went from 16 percent to 17 percent. "While we agree with Governor Snyder that this is still unacceptable, our organization is already having a significant effect on this statistic," said St. Vincent and Sarah Fisher Center CEO Diane Renaud.

"The Education Experience" at St. Vincent and Sarah Fisher Center is a personalized, one-on-one tutoring program for children and adults to address educational gaps and help them succeed. The adult program helps Detroit adults age 18 and older to become more self-sufficient by preparing them to take and pass the GED exam.

"Currently, only 25% of adults pass the GED on their own. However, 85 percent of adult students in our program pass all five of the GED test segments on their first attempt. This is remarkable and is enabling them to go on to college, vocational training as well as better-paying jobs to help them become contributing members of their families and communities," said Renaud.

Gov. Snyder also cited the establishment in 2011 of the Office of Great Start, which focuses on young children and lays a foundation for success.

"This is indeed a great start for our young students. Our children's program continues that work, serving first through third-graders in Detroit with after-school and summer learning programs and addressing educational gaps so they can experience success in school today and in the future," said Renaud. The children's program is free of charge and includes transportation, healthy snacks, and an emphasis upon math and reading.

"We agree with the governor that strengthening educational attainment of our citizens and having a thriving Detroit are important to the success of Michigan," said Renaud. "We join Governor Snyder in his call for relentless, positive action, and The Education Experience at St. Vincent and Sarah Fisher Center is doing our part to keep our metropolitan area moving forward."

Founded in 1844, the St. Vincent and Sarah Fisher Center most recently served Southeastern Michigan as a residential/foster care agency for children. However, in 2006, the Center closed its residential campus due to elimination of funding. It was determined that rather than close the doors of the organization, to return to its roots – providing assistance to the residents of the community through educational program.

St. Vincent and Sarah Fisher Center moved to Detroit to continue nearly 170 years of service to the community through basic skill-building and academic enhancement for at-risk children and adults. These programs are designed to help build self-sufficiency skills for academic and employment success, personal achievement and dignity.  In March 2011, The Education Experience was launched, with expanded hours and programs, to better serve the community. For more information, visit http://www.svsfcenter.org/

The St. Vincent and Sarah Fisher Center
16800 Trinity St.
Detroit, MI 48219

CONTACT: Sue Voyles, +1-734-667-2005, [email protected], Diane Renaud, +1-313-535-9200, [email protected]

SOURCE The Education Experience at St. Vincent and Sarah Fisher Center