By Christian Vazquez
Michigan is awarding $800,000 to 17 school districts in the Upper and Lower Peninsulas to advance STEM education.
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.
MiSTEM, part of the state’s Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, is giving the grants to advanced opportunities in science, math and engineering for students.
Among the grant recipients highlighted by the department:
North Dickinson County School is working to install a 10×30 greenhouse for a project that includes student-led mentoring and partnerships with local farmers to connect science to the rural UP economy.
Engadine Consolidated Schools will establish a STEAM makerspace and a “green lab greenhouse” that will provide access to hands-on STEM education for K-12 students and connect them to UP “workforce pathways like agriculture and forestry.”
Alcona Community Schools will expand activities in grades K-5 and implement a 7th-grade “Stewardship for Our Future” project that includes summer teacher training and student-led environmental projects, according to MiSTEM.
Alcona Superintendent Daniel O’Connor said the grant will focus on cross-curricular projects such as math, social studies and science.
David Florenski, the superintendent of North Dickinson County School, said the district will work with a Wisconsin greenhouse company to establish a greenhouse building that will grow produce for the school’s cafeteria and for community residents to purchase.
Andrew Alvesteffer, the superintendent of Engadine Consolidated Schools, said the MiSTEM grant will focus on restarting a greenhouse program and K-12 and high school programs.
Alvesteffer also said the district is working on the development of a robotics program and science lessons.
Megan Schrauben, the MiSTEM executive director, said in a press release, “By investing in STEM education, Michigan is investing in our future workforce.”
Among the other school districts receiving $50,000 grants on STEM projects are Oakland Schools, Charlevoix-Emmet Intermediate School District, Utica Community Schools and Wayne-Westland Community Schools.