St. George MSU Recognized as Top 10 Finalist for National Education Innovation Showcase

St. George Municipal School Unit (MSU) has been recognized as a national leader in education innovation after being named a top 10 finalist in the annual global recognition program, ASU+GSV Summit Education Innovation Showcase. The award celebrates St. George MSU’s groundbreaking work to develop the nation’s first preK-12 career and technical education (CTE) program, in partnership with MidCoast School of Technology.

As part of this project, St. George MSU opened the GRACE Innovation Center in August 2025, which includes shop spaces for boatbuilding, woodworking, and metalwork, as well as a Makerspace with 3D printers, laser cutters, computer numerical control (CNC) routers, robotics, and sewing machines. The goal is to provide ALL students, preK-12, with access to career and technical education (CTE) to re-engage them in their learning, prepare them with the skills to thrive in today’s workforce and create the businesses and industries of the future, and strengthen the local economy.

Organizations from around the world apply each year to participate in the ASU+GSV Education Innovation Showcase. St. George MSU was selected as one of the top K-12 education leaders for its efforts to advance innovation within its community, create new approaches to delivering education and workforce skills, and foster meaningful change at the systems level.

At the heart of St. George MSU’s vision is the belief that the future of education is built on understanding and honoring the community’s people, history, traditions, and values. This innovative approach is deeply rooted in place and inspired by the legacy of the Lillius Gilchrest Grace Institute, a nonprofit founded in 1936 by the Grace family in memory of Lillius Grace, a St. George native. With the help of the Maine Department of Education’s (DOE) Rethinking Responsive Education Ventures (RREV) grant, a $16.9 million federal grant awarded to Maine in 2020, St. George MSU received $350,000 to kick-start its building design process, curriculum development, and capital campaign. The GRACE Innovation Center, which opened last year, was named in honor of the original Grace Institute and continues a long legacy of hands-on/minds-on learning and innovation rooted in people and place.

“Our work and vision are rooted in this place – in the history, values, traditions, and people of St. George,” Mike Felton, Executive Director of the GRACE Innovation Center, said in a statement to the community. “Even as we expand our impact, we always remember our roots. The GRACE Innovation Center is the result of a community that had the courage and heart to dream BIG for their kids.”

Rather than simply introducing a new program, St. George MSU is reimagining what education can look like when students have opportunities to create, build, and learn through meaningful experiences. Through the GRACE Institute, students and teachers collaborate with Makerspace Director Paul Meinersman, CTE Coordinator John Clark, local tradespeople, business owners, parents, and community volunteers to help turn ideas into reality.

Check out this video of St. George MSU students talking about the GRACE program:

Students are developing skills that extend far beyond the classroom as they use both their hands and minds to design, problem-solve, and create. These experiences allow students to explore potential career pathways while building confidence, collaboration skills, creativity, and a strong connection to their community.

The recognition as a finalist highlights the impact of St. George MSU’s commitment to innovative, place-based education. The school’s approach demonstrates that meaningful change does not have to begin in a large city or a major institution but can start in a small community with a bold vision, dedicated educators, and a commitment to giving students opportunities.

This story was written in collaboration with St. George MSU. To submit a good news story to the Maine DOE, please fill out the good news submission form. To learn more about the Grace Innovation Center, visit their website.

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