The University of Wisconsin community welcomed a nationwide recognized education reform expert to its campus Wednesday as he delivered a message of hope and a plan of “common sense” regarding the impact strong schooling in poverty stricken areas can have.
Chief Executive Officer of Manchester Bidwell Corporation Bill Strickland, who spoke about his rough childhood as part of the university’s Distinguished Lecture Series, said he understands the effects of poverty firsthand, sharing an anecdote from his younger years when he said he was failing school until an arts teacher “saved his life” by insisting Strickland pursue a college degree.
Taking this advice, Stickland applied to the University of Pittsburgh, where he entered on academic probation. Upon graduation, Strickland left the school with honors and was asked to be the commencement speaker, he said.
Strickland said his story demonstrates the importance of a community working cohesively to support poverty-stricken students who might not initially appear to have the highest potential.
“Don’t give up on the poor kids; someday they might be the commencement speakers,” Strickland said.
During his time at Pittsburgh, Strickland founded the Manchester Craftsman’s Guild, which aimed to bring arts education among inner-city youth. After graduation, Strickland acquired a failing trade school and turned it around to create the Bidwell Training Center. These vocational and arts centers make up Manchester Bidwell Corporation.
The multi-million dollar center, located in what Strickland described as one of the worst neighborhoods in Pittsburgh, has yet to see any crime, violence, theft or substance abuse among its students during its 26 years of programming, which Strickland attributes directly to atmosphere fostered on site.
He said all students deserve “beautiful places” in which they can learn and grow.
“Environment drives behavior,” Strickland said. “The idea of the center is to get the poor people out of the dark.”
By creating aesthetically pleasing centers and instilling an enriching and free curriculum, Strickland said the center’s students not only have the ability but also the desire to learn.
Strickland’s lecture emphasized the need for education reform now and called for his programs to be implemented immediately with the replication of his centers nationwide.
“I’m showing you the answers on this screen,” he said. “It’s about common sense and getting decent people to step up and do the right thing.”
After being recognized across the nation for his innovative ideas, including winning the MacArthur “Genius” award, Strickland was appointed to the “Community Solutions” committee by President Barack Obama to discuss education reform and create recommendations for public policy.
His ideas were well-received among audience members, including UW student Sarah Mathews, who said she found the lecture very inspiring.
“It’s refreshing to hear something hopeful from someone with a plan,” she said, adding how Strickland’s message of working as a community has implications for students.
