STEM Opportunities
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It's essential that students are prepared to bring knowledge and skills to solve problems, make sense of information, and know how to gather and evaluate evidence to make decisions. These are the kinds of skills that they can develop in science, technology, engineering and math—disciplines collectively known as STEM. If we want a nation where our future leaders, neighbors, and workers have the ability to understand and solve some of the complex challenges of today and tomorrow, and to meet the demands of the dynamic and evolving workforce, then experts agree that building students’ skills, content knowledge and fluency in STEM fields is essential.
Van Andel Institute for Education (VAEI) is dedicated to creating classrooms where curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking thrive. VAEI is transforming education through programs that provide hands-on, inquiry-based learning opportunities across the educational spectrum—from elementary to high school. VAEI offers engaging programs for students, as well as transformative programs and resources for teachers. VAEI is committed to promoting and supporting high-quality education for all children, regardless of gender, race, or socioeconomic status. Read more>>
Spark!Lab at the Holland Museum provides activities that incorporate science, technology, engineering, art, history, and math (STEAM). Visitors are provided with opportunities to explore the invention process and their own inventiveness. Read more>>
STREAM Girls is Trout Unlimited’s outdoor STEM program for girls in partnership with Girl Scouts. This watershed experience employs STEM-education (science, technology, engineering, math) plus recreation and arts to explore a local stream. We'll have you Think Like a Citizen Scientist and learn to fly fish as we journey through becoming a STREAM Girl! You'll wad the waters, make your own fly tie, do some fly fishing and brainstorm a take action project! Read more>>
The application for the summer STEM Academy at Camp Blodgett is now open! Camp Blodgett's STEM Academy is a program for a select group of youth entering 6th-8th grades who are invited to attend four weeks of overnight summer camp. The focus of our program is to invite middle school youth in Kent County who are below grade level, or lacking academic proficiency in math and/ or science to increase both their interest and abilities in STEM subjects. The application and more info on the program can be found on their website. If you have any questions, contact Blake Huddleston, STEM Program Coordinator at (616) 949-0780 x106 or at [email protected]. The application deadline is February 15.
STEM SQUAD SATURDAYS
On Saturdays, the Camp Blodgett STEM (Science - Technology - Engineering - Math) Squad program is heading out to communities around Kent County to provide any 5th - 8th grade youth in the community with the opportunity for STEM learning and fun! During STEM Squad Saturdays, youth participate in hands-on Science, Technology and Engineering activities and participate in life skills and career exploration activities, as well as have opportunities to build relationships with other middle school youth.
This is a FREE program for Kent County youth; we do ask that registered participants commit to attending the program throughout the school year.
STEM Squad Saturdays will take place in Grand Rapids and Kentwood, MI from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. on select Saturdays. Youth are asked to commit to the five (5) Saturday STEM Squad meetings throughout the school year. Youth who attend the majority of the Squads will be eligible to attend our end-of-year field trip (location yet to be determined) in April 2020. Click here for more information and to register.
STEM Greenhouse
Founding Executive Director, Dr. Keli Christopher and others explain why the STEM Greenhouse was founded and its impact on the vulnerable children in the Grand Rapids, MI community.
MCWT is on a mission to help women consider, advance and stay in IT. Everything they do centers on inspiring and growing women in technology. They work to broadly reach young girls to get them to consider technology and deeply connect with women who choose the IT path. You can find information about K-12 initiatives which include robotics, website design competitions, summer tech camps and more on their Programs page of their website.
Little Learners: STEAM Play & Learn
You are invited to join a special Play and Learn program at the Lakeshore Museum Center on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month. "Little Learners: STEAM Play & Learn" is a free literacy-based program for Muskegon County infants and toddlers ages 0-4. Adults and children will learn through songs, stories, sensory stations, motor skills stations, art and more, all with a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) theme! Click here for more information.
Free for Muskegon County residents and museum members, just $5 for non-residents ages 3 and older.
Teen Arts + Tech Afterschool Program
All Grand Rapids Public high school students are eligible to register for tuition-free afterschool studio experiences at the West Michigan Center for Arts and Technology. They encourage creative expression, connect you to teens with similar interests, and support you through your high school journey. Learn more about their studios here. More information about enrollment here.