In April 2015, Michael Craig won the Michigan Lottery/WXYZ TV Excellence in Education Award, and in May was named 2015 Michigan Teacher of the Year. As a teacher and mentor, Mr. Craig is committed to providing his students with the life-skills necessary to find meaningful employment. "This means a lot, because for our students, this is their chance to have some sort of life outside of this school," explained Mr. Craig. "I'm truly thankful for all of the support DCG has given. Their support has made such a difference for these students."
It provides meaningful skills and opportunity for the students, fresh and healthy food for DPS and a unique source of locally-grown produce for the surrounding community. We're so proud to be a part of this.
Since 2014, Data Consulting Group has partnered with Michael Craig, Detroit Public Schools special education teacher and Director of the Horticulture Program at the Drew Transition Center, to help grow his program. In addition to supporting Mr. Craig's program financially, DCG has worked with him to plan, prioritize and execute his initiatives.
The Charles Drew Transition Center is a post-secondary program for special education students age 18-26 – the only school of its kind in the city of Detroit. Mr. Craig teaches students to seed, plant and harvest fruits and vegetables. Once harvested, the produce is served to Drew students at lunch and to students across various other Detroit Public Schools. Last November, Mr. Craig also opened the Drew Farmstand to provide fresh produce to community residents at an affordable price, with all proceeds going back to the program.
Several members of the DCG leadership team were on hand for Mr. Craig's acceptance of the award. DCG Director Jeff Wagner discussed the firm's involvement with the program. "When we learned of Mr. Craig's program, we knew DCG had to get involved" explained Wagner. "It provides meaningful skills and opportunity for the students, fresh and healthy food for DPS and a unique source of locally-grown produce for the surrounding community. We're so proud to be a part of this."
This summer, DCG will support Mr. Craig's endeavor to build a wheelchair accessible hoop house on the school's campus, making it the first and only school in the country to have a hoop house that is accessible to all students, faculty and staff and visitors, regardless of physical impairment.
For more information about the Drew Transition Center visit the following sites: