By DeAnna Howard and Ikeya Lake Staff Writers
Cass Tech has introduced a new architecture prep program for high school juniors directed by the University Of Michigan’s Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning
In January, a select group of high school juniors from Cass Tech, Detroit School of the Arts and Western International attended an architecture prep course at the Michigan Research Studio in Detroit.
In December, U-M had a grand opening at the Michigan Studio space inviting the students that will be attending the course, the principals from participating high schools and the head of the Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning at U-M.
“I was excited about the program being announced because I knew I will be able to learn more about architecture,” Cass Tech student Shajnin Dristy said.
The program will allow students to earn high school credits while learning skills and techniques in the class.
The U-M program requires students that students be juniors. The results of completing the program successfully is a full credit of math and a half credit of visual and applied arts. The State of Michigan requires high school graduates to complete four years of math and the U-M architecture program satisfies the requirement for the fourth credit of the first semester. The class lasts from 8-11 a.m., Monday through Friday.
“I want as many students as possible to join the program it will really showcase their talent as an artist,” Cass Tech counselor Sylvia Sanders said.
Over half of the students admitted to the program have art classes at Cass Tech.
“The program gives our students a great opportunity, I wish I could put more interested students in,” Cass Tech principal Lisa Phillips said.
CT Visionary staff members Cameron Shakur and Aisha Begum contributed to this report.
