The Essential Education Support Team plays a key role in ensuring that EmpowerUP course projects align with Michigan Tech’s Essential Education program and its SHAPE framework (which emphasizes Social Responsibility, Human Expression, Analytical & Quantitative Reasoning, Personal & Professional Development, and Ethical Reasoning). By bridging project-based learning with the broader academic goals of Essential Education, the team ensures that student work not only meets course objectives but also reflects meaningful skill development and personal growth.
“Connecting classroom learning to lifelong skills.”
Our work centers on documenting student learning, evaluating outcomes, and translating project results into reports that clearly demonstrate the fulfillment of Essential Education criteria.
Key responsibilities include:
- Understanding the structure and purpose of the SHAPE framework.
- Designing documentation plans and assessment metrics using digital portfolio tools such as PebblePad.
This semester, the team is also supporting the Planning and Paying for College Conference, an outreach event designed to help high school students navigate the challenges of funding their higher education. Scheduled for November, this presentation allows the team to apply Essential Education principles to real-world engagement helping students develop financial literacy and informed decision-making as part of their college planning journey.