Manufacturing Educational Change: Impact Evaluation of the Lansing Area Manufacturing Partnership Pilot Program. Executive Summary.

The Lansing Area Manufacturing Partnership (LAMP) is an academically rigorous, business/labor-driven school-to-career program in Lansing, Michigan, that includes business, union, school, and parent partners and provides participating students with work-based learning experiences for 2.5 hours every day throughout their senior year. LAMP's short-term impacts were evaluated in an extensive case study of its effects on participants from the classes of 1998 and 1999. The case study established more than 40 impacts affecting LAMP participants. The LAMP program participants responded well to the new instructional practices of work-based, project-based, and team-based learning as evidenced by increases in their motivation and attendance, their improved interpersonal skills, and the clearer focus of their postsecondary plans. In contrast to many school-to-career initiatives taking place around the nation where industry plays a less active role, LAMP's employer partners have made a deep and genuine commitment to the program. Participation in LAMP improved and added to many participants' employability skills. Beyond helping selected students better prepare for their postsecondary careers in college and work, LAMP has contributed to broader educational reform. Participation in LAMP was shown to change educator and staff perspectives on manufacturing careers. The case study established that LAMP is well positioned to have a strong impact on public education. (MN)