LANSING, MI — Michigan middle school students are set to embark on an exciting new STEM learning opportunity through a partnership between NASA and the U.S. Department of Education’s 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program.
Announced by the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP), the collaboration offers hands-on experiences designed to engage students in science, technology, engineering, and math.
“Investing in STEM education is crucial for preparing young Michiganders for the careers of tomorrow,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “This collaboration helps strengthen our position as a leader in technology and innovation.”
The initiative kicked off last week with professional development training for educators, equipping them to bring NASA-inspired challenges into after-school programs.
“We are delighted that Michigan has been chosen for this incredible opportunity,” said Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, director of MiLEAP. “This collaboration will provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed.”
NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland will provide content, training, and opportunities for students to interact with scientists and engineers while solving real-world STEM challenges.
“By engaging in NASA learning opportunities, students are challenged to use critical thinking and creativity to solve real-world challenges,” said Darlene Walker, director of NASA’s Glenn Research Center Office of STEM Engagement.
Ten 21st CCLC learning sites across Michigan will host the program:
- Stout Middle School – Dearborn
- BC STEM Innovation Center – Battle Creek
- Clare Middle School – St. Clare
- Detroit African Youth Development Organization (DAYDO) – Detroit
- Lee Middle School – Wyoming
- Leslie Middle School – Reaching Higher – Leslie
- Maple Street Magnet School for the Arts – Kalamazoo
- Charles Hackley Middle School – Impact Program – Muskegon
- Fostering Leadership Academy – Redford Charter Township
- White Cloud Junior High School – White Cloud
“Our team at MiLEAP is proud to support programs that inspire and invest in our youth every day,” said Rawlan Lillard II, deputy director of Education Partnerships at MiLEAP.
Site coordinators emphasized the program’s impact on students and their communities.
“We are very excited to provide this amazing opportunity to our students,” said Kristen Ambroggio, site coordinator at Leslie Middle School. “This is a great experience for our students, community, and school district.”
For more information about NASA STEM Education, visit NASA.gov/stem. To learn more about Michigan’s 21st CCLC programs, visit the MiLEAP Education Partnerships webpage.
