On Wednesday, June 5, Matt Bowman – founder of the innovative education program My Tech High – spoke to the Military Affairs Committee of the Salt Lake Chamber about military families that are finding success with the program’s flexibility as they serve our country across the world.

Bowman contributed a chapter about My Tech High’s innovative approach to public schooling in Sutherland Institute’s recent publication Innovation in Education.

My Tech High is a private program that partners with public school districts to offer students full-time, personalized education that can be accessed at home or beyond. Families using the program can create an education experience based on the students’ needs and interests, choosing from a range of courses including unique coursework in entrepreneurship and technology. With the increased flexibility, My Tech High students can complete high school requirements early and earn an associate degree through Southern New Hampshire University.

For military families assigned to live in new areas, My Tech High also means students can maintain consistency during their K-12 education and choose the best academic options no matter where they live as their families serve our country.

The following are four recommendations to increase choice and innovation in any public school from Matt Bowman’s chapter “Innovation and Choice in Public Schools” in Sutherland’s Innovation in Education publication.

1. Allow flexible schedules so students can pursue other ambitions
2. Provide opportunities for entrepreneurship
3. Use educational choice to create pathways to early college credit
4. Encourage innovation by providing technology education to students

To learn more about My Tech High’s approach to public schooling, download the publication for free here.