Michigan Ag Connection - MiSTEM Opportunities Expand for Schools Across State

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MiSTEM Opportunities Expand for Schools Across State
Michigan Ag Connection - 01/14/2020

More students across Michigan will be able to benefit from quality STEM education with the awarding of over $3 million by the MiSTEM Advisory Council to 16 regional organizations covering every corner of the state.

Under Section 99s(2) and (3) in the fiscal year 2019 School Aid Act, $3,050,000 in state funds is provided to fund grants recommended by the MiSTEM Advisory Council for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programs in Michigan. The 16 consortia across Michigan will each focus on a different STEMworks Certified program.

"These grants will help bring programs like robotics, engineering, and bio-science to students across Michigan who wouldn't normally have had these opportunities," said State Superintendent Dr. Michael Rice. "Every student needs the opportunity to pursue and engage in these fields of study."

Awarding grants to 16 separate consortia across Michigan provides additional opportunities to students and educators in small and rural districts.

"A strong economy, and a strong state, requires a concentration of talented people who are prepared to solve future challenges and compete in a global economy," MiSTEM Advisory Council Chair Michelle Richard said. "These grants allow students to see how STEM can help solve important problems and lead to rewarding careers."

Each STEMworks program identified to receive funding was selected based on an analysis of MiSTEM regional needs data. Projects include Michigan-developed Cereal City Science; Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative; Michigan Science Teaching and Assessment Reform (MiSTAR); and Phenomenal Science.

These and other projects include those that have built implementation capacity in Michigan and have a proven track record for improving student engagement and achievement in STEM. A complete list of the consortia, and the programs they are sponsoring, is below.

Each consortium is now required to complete an implementation plan for review by Michigan STEM stakeholders and subject matter experts. MiSTEM Network Region Directors are supporting the coordination of the consortia plans.

Individuals or organizations that would like to be a member of one of these consortia can contact their local region director. A map of the regions and director contact information can be found at: www.michigan.gov/mistem.

The Michigan STEM (MiSTEM) Advisory Council consists of business, higher education, K-12 education, and philanthropic leaders. It was created by the Michigan Legislature in 2015 to make recommendations that will help make Michigan a world leader in STEM education.

For more information on the MiSTEM Advisory Council and the MiSTEM Network, please visit www.michigan.gov/mistem. More information on the STEMworks database of high-quality STEM education programs can be found at stemworks.wested.org.

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