Lansing – Michigan Virtual University^® was named Educational Program of the Year at the Ninth Annual Awards Gala in Detroit on Friday, Sept. 25. MVU^® offers online learning courses and services to both Michigan students and educators through its Michigan Virtual School^™ and Michigan LearnPort^® divisions.

“Michigan Virtual University offers students across the state the unique opportunity to enroll in a variety of core academic and enrichment courses,” said Ken Rogers, executive director of Automation Alley. “Their technology tools and resources are an integral element of their sophisticated learning environment.”

Since its inception in 1998, more than 64,000 students have enrolled in middle school and high school courses through Michigan Virtual School. Additionally, nearly 50,000 educators are registered with Michigan LearnPort, the state’s online learning portal for professional development.These numbers are indicative of the growing popularity – and importance – of online learning to both students and educators.

“Michigan Virtual University is proud to be a recognized leader in the state, and in the nation, in delivering online learning opportunities to the K-12 educational community,” said Rossi Ray-Taylor, Ph.D., President & CEO, Ray.Taylor and Associates, LLC, and Chair of the MVU Board of Directors. “This award acknowledges the central and growing role of online learning to achieving our mission of excellence in teaching and learning for Michigan’s K-12 education system.”

The other two finalists for the Educational Program of the Year award were Davenport University and Genesee Intermediate School District. Past winners of this award include Southeast Michigan Community College Consortium Centers of Expertise Program (2008), Hustle & TECHknow Preparatory High School (2007) and Oakland University (2002).