To ensure that apprenticeship opportunities are available to all workers, apprenticeship expansion efforts in the U.S. must be built on a commitment to equity and inclusion. When marginalized populations participate and succeed in Registered Apprenticeship Programs, employers reach a larger and more diverse workforce. 

The Workforce GPS website offers resources in the following areas: 

• Apprenticeship Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Resources - principles for equity, business perspective on growing diversity, guidance on integrating diversity, and acknowledging unconscious bias .
• Expanding Apprenticeships to Underrepresented Populations - program examples, tools, outreach materials, and other resources for expanding apprenticeships to marginalized populations.
• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) in Apprenticeships - the U.S. Department of Labor’s EEO regulations outline the responsibilities for sponsors of Registered Apprenticeship Programs and the steps they can take to promote diversity in their programs.  

Online PLC: Culturally Responsive Education by Design

The Culturally Responsive Education by Design® Professional Learning Community (PLC) is an equity-focused professional learning community to build collective efficacy to support historically marginalized students impacted by the pandemic.  The PLC uses collaborative inquiry to focus on improving adult use of culturally responsive instructional practices in order to help students become more powerful learners in the service of equity. 

The online PLC is going to be welcoming its next cohort this coming January. Last year 1,200 teachers, coaches, and leaders participated! They are taking a deep dive into culturally responsive instruction that builds student capacity for deeper learning. Based on what they've learned, they have shifted to a team-based model and a simple application process.  

Applications open on October 15, 2021 and close on December 3, 2021.
Learn more here: https://crebydesign.com 

The OQ programs consist of hands-on missions designed to stimulate student interest in the STEM disciplines. The curriculum template covers each experiment, or “mission,” from pre-flight preparation to post-flight activities, including student and program evaluation. 

Each year OQ adds new live or near real time missions to our offerings.  While these current missions usually take place during a single semester, all of the virtual missions (previously conducted in space) are available online throughout the school year.  All material and equipment, either unique to the mission or not available in the classroom, is supplied by OQ. 

In the new Biofilms in Space and in You mission, students work with researcher Dr. Luis Zea who is studying Biofilms in space.  Biofilms are groups of bacteria or fungi that stick together and to a surface. We find them in our bathroom tiles, our teeth and especially in hospitals.  Many infectious pathogens use biofilms to become more virulent and resistant to antibiotics. Biofilms also form in spacecraft, potentially degrading materials and increasing the risk of disease among astronauts.  Students participating in this mission will support Dr. Zea by viewing proprietary photos and data from the space-based and ground-based experiments in order to analyze the effects of microgravity on biofilm growth, and the effects of different surfaces on the growth of biofilms.  This mission is recommended for grades 6-12. 

There is no fee for participation in the Orion’s Quest Program. Curriculum development, classroom material and classroom visits are provided without cost.  Get started here to sign up your classroom! 

Technology Education and Literacy in Schools (TEALS) is a program that builds sustainable CS programs in high schools. They focus on serving students excluded from learning CS because of race, gender, or geography. TEALS helps teachers learn to teach CS by pairing them with industry volunteers and proven curricula. 

Attend a live info session 
Find out if TEALS is a fit  

Apply here: New School Application 

TEALS provides partner schools with resources and strategies to help increase equitable participation in high-quality computer science education. 

Read the guide   
Watch the webinar 

More than 400 public and private schools participate in Michigan Green Schools, which provides stewardship-themed activities and information to support environmental education in grades pre-K through 12. The Michigan Green Schools program has transitioned from a nonprofit to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). Educators and students will continue receiving the same high-quality support for environmental stewardship education for Michigan teachers and students. The program joins annual Earth Day activities and EGLE Classroom in supporting environmental education. 

The current 2021-22 application form and updated information can be found on the new official Michigan Green Schools webpage on the EGLE site. 

The Michigan Green Schools application deadline is March 1, 2022. 

Questions about the program can be directed to Chrissie Pearce at PearceC@Michigan.gov. 

Check out these free resources for teachers, suitable for both physical and hybrid learning environments: 

At-Home Science 
Short video experiments designed for students to complete with household materials. Great for extra credit or homework assignments. Grades K-12. 

Engineering Design Challenges 
Curriculum for grades K-8 includes hands-on engineering design challenges. Includes lesson plans, assessments, and PPT slides for all activities. 

Let’s Talk STEM 
Guest speaker program brings STEM professionals into the classroom in a fast-paced, talk-show style format. All grades. 

Generation Health 
A dynamic middle school (grade 6-8) program makes science personal through a focus on healthy living messaging. Students investigate both preventative measures and innovative solutions to key health concerns in the areas of oncology, cardiovascular, and respiratory. 

STEM Rockstars 
Video spotlight series featuring young professionals from diverse backgrounds who are working to make a difference in science, business, medicine, engineering, and technology fields. Each short video includes a profile of the job role and information about how they came to be interested in STEM. 

Travis Dennis, Chemical Engineer, is one of the featured STEM Rockstars! 

The National Hockey League, NHLPA, Detroit Red Wings, and EVERFI have been bringing their FutureGoals Hockey Scholar program to educators at no cost across the state of Michigan for the last five years. Since the 2014 school year, over 90,000 students in Michigan have participated!  

The Future Goals- Hockey Scholar program is designed to leverage STEM in hockey to create a fun and memorable learning experience. This STEM curriculum provides students the opportunity to develop STEM skills through online, interactive math and science games. Since these lessons are bite-sized and student-driven, this is a great tool to leverage and easily add into your units throughout the year. Future Goals also offers engagement opportunities in your local community including teacher trainings, student events, and more.  

STEM in sports learning objectives include Foundational STEM Concepts, Scientific Thinking, Data/Graphic Analysis, Inquiry, Coordinate Geometry and more: 

• Grade Level: 4-8  
• Best Fit: Math, STEM, Science, P.E.  
• Number of Lessons: 6 Math lessons, 6 Science 
• Lessons Time per lesson / Total Duration: 20 minute / 5 Hours 
• Standards: Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and Math Common Core State Standards
• Languages: English, French 

You can sign up for your free account here. If you get started with the program in the next few weeks, you will be entered to win an autographed hockey puck from the Detroit Red Wings!  

If you have questions or would like to get started today please contact: Ryan Trauger
Email: rtrauger@everfi.com
Phone: (847)714-4088 

The following occupations are in the list of High-Demand, High-Wage STEM Occupations through 2028 for Michigan: 

Computer and Information Systems Managers help organizations manage their computer systems. They increase an organization's efficiency by designing computer systems that help businesses meet their goals.  Computer and Information Systems Managers are also called IT managers, IS directors, or IT security managers. Visit The Best Schools to see annual salary, and how to become a Computer and Information Systems Manager. 

Computer systems analysts take a look at a company's current computer systems and procedures, and then find ways for them operate more efficiently and effectively. They provide technology design solutions by understanding business needs and information technology. The role of a computer systems analyst is to act like a digital investigator. They document technology systems in order to understand, change, improve, and help rebuild these systems. This might include finding out why a computer system is failing by using specific software to track applications, systems, databases, and networks. You can view the average salary for a computer systems analyst in the United States, education requirements, and job market information on Career Explorers.  

The U.S. Department of Education's Fermilab Office of Education and Public Engagement brings education to you! Engage your students in an online presentation with Fermilab staff.  Presentations are free of charge for classrooms and libraries and are subject to availability. The minimum number of students attending virtual presentations is 10.  

Career Talks 
Through an engaging panel style discussion, students can learn what it is like to be a scientist, engineer, technician, law, or financial professional at a national lab.  Use the Form at this link to request a Classroom session (choose Career Talk option). 

Download the STEM Connector's Insurance is STEM eBook here to learn more about the Insurance industry and how STEM powers insurance.  

This eBook includes: 

• Insurance basics 
• Real stories from business and industry partners 
• Viable insurance career pathways 
• Links to Helpful Resources, and more! 

Education Meets Employment: The Need for Collaboration

Tune into "Education Meets Employment: The Need for Collaboration," the latest episode from Jobs for the Future's (JFF) Horizons podcast. Tameshia Bridges Mansfield, Horizon Vice President of Workforce Innovation at Jobs for the Future (JFF), shares highlights from last year's Horizons summit. You'll hear from leaders across the learn-to-work ecosystem on how to build a future that meets the needs of all learners, workers, and employers.  

Listen to the podcast here and view the transcript here.  

Download the 2020 NAW Report to hear about Apprenticeship success stories and benefits of Apprenticeship programs from around the country!  

Looking to start a Youth Apprenticeship Program? 
Apprenticeship programs for youth between the ages of 16-24 combine academic and technical classroom instruction with work experience through an apprenticeship program. This program provides the foundation for youth to choose among multiple pathways – to enroll in college, begin full-time employment, or a combination of both. Visit Apprenticeship.gov's High School & Middle School webpage where you will find information and resources on how to start a Youth Apprenticeship Program.  

Download the Youth Apprenticeship Program Toolkit 

Jobs of the Future 
It’s not too early for students to think about their future! The U.S. Department of Labor has collaborated with Scholastic to develop materials to introduce middle school students, parents, and teachers to future careers and apprenticeships. Visit Scholastic’s apprenticeship webpage, Jobs of the Future, to download all apprenticeship-related program materials, activities, and profiles of current youth apprentices.  

The Square One Education Network works with students and teachers across the state, offering career awareness events, professional development and vehicle engineering challenges.  They are honored to serve and support MiSTEM regions in various projects and educational experiences.   

This video, Innovative Vehicle Design 2021, highlights Square One's commitment to hosting hands on STEM programming for students in 2021, despite the ongoing COVID pandemic. They created new challenges that could be completed remotely, individually, and virtually to keep students engaged, safe, and healthy. By year's end they hosted a live competition for those able to attend and remote competitions via video for teams unable to travel or competing from a distance!  

This flyer describes the Innovative Vehicle Design (IVD) programs for 2021-22, registration fees, and calendar of events. 

Please reach out to Barb Land, Executive Director at barb@squareonenetwork.org with questions or concerns.   

Visit the Statistics Poster Competition (K-12) webpage for more information and to register.

Returning for its 30th year of inspiring innovation in the next generation of scientists, Toshiba and the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) are kicking off the 30th annual Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision competition, which is now officially open for entries. The ExploraVision program, sponsored by Toshiba and administered by NSTA, challenges students to use problem solving, critical thinking, and teamwork to imagine solutions to real-life issues. Participants will have a chance to win a number of prizes, including $10,000 U.S. Series EE Savings Bonds (at maturity).  

Through the competition, teams of two to four students are challenged to identify a problem facing our world, research scientific principles and current technologies, and design innovative solutions that could exist in the next 10 or more years. Semi-finalists then create websites and prototypes to further bring these concepts to life. Last year’s winning ideas ranged from AI-powered toothbrushes that can detect viruses, to eco-friendly diapers that reduce carbon emissions. 

Sign Up Now for the World’s Largest K-12 Science Competition! 
Registration is open until January 31, 2022 at ExploraVision.org. 

SkillPointe Foundation is awarding multiple $1,000 scholarships every month for individuals pursuing technical/vocational training in construction, healthcare, energy, manufacturing, transportation and other fields. 

The SkillPointe Foundation’s mission is to ensure everyone has access to training to become a skills-based professional. This scholarship is open to everyone 16 years of age or older, of any ethnicity and educational background. U.S. citizens or legal residents whose course of study or training program includes technical school, vocational school or community college, are encouraged to apply. This scholarship is exclusively for individuals wishing to gain a certificate, credential or 2 year degree.  

A minimum of two (2) new winners will be chosen every month to receive a $1,000 scholarship. Application deadline is the last day of every month and winners will be notified approximately 6 weeks from entry. 

For more information and to apply, click here. 

Unfold the Universe Art Challenge  
What will NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope reveal when it peers back through 13.5 billion years of time? Create, using any form of art, what you think the Webb Telescope will discover for a chance to be featured on NASA's historic launch broadcast.  Join the #UnfoldTheUniverse Art Challenge today.  Deadline for Submissions is December 18, 2021. 

The information above is from the U.S. Department of Education's STEM Newsletter. You can go to the newsletter subscription page to sign-up. 

More information and application link can be found at https://www.aspirations.org/award-programs/aic-educator-award 

For more information, please contact Dr. June L. Teisan at june.teisan@ncwit.org 

Ginger Rohwer
Regional Director
(616) 331-2272
rohwergi@gvsu.edu

Diane Miller
Business, Community, and Education Liaison
(616) 331-2265
milledia@gvsu.edu

www.gvsu.edu/mistem

Services provided through a MiSTEM grant awarded by the Michigan Department of Education.
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