June 3, 2023
By Janice Phelan
Communications and Marketing University of Central Missouri-Missouri Innovation Campus
Ainsley Lewis, a May 2023 graduate of the University of Central Missouri, recommends UCM’s Missouri Innovation Campus (MIC) program based on the unique opportunities it provides to participants including an accelerated bachelor’s degree.
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“I liked how fast paced the program was,” said Lewis, who has a bachelor’s degree in drafting and design technology. “I only had to take two more years of schooling after high school, plus with the added internship I already had accepted my full time offer for when I would graduate the year prior.”
A 2021 Center High School graduate, Lewis served as a MIC program intern at Black and Veatch from summer 2020 through spring 2023.
“During my internship I was a power engineering technician working on substation design and drafting,” she shared. “When I transition into full time I will be going into a civil engineering tech role working on solar fields.”
The MIC program has been recognized at the regional and national level for reshaping the way students experience education and innovation. A partnership between UCM, the Lee’s Summit R-7 School District, Metropolitan Community College and close to 70 leading businesses, the MIC program provides motivated students with career-ready skills while connecting businesses to a highly trained workforce.
“I would totally recommend the MIC program to people who want the fast-paced college experience but also those who would be ready to be in the professional field,” Lewis added.