Congratulations to Bill Boerman for being named a 2022-23 Regional Teacher of the Year!  Boerman is a STEM Teacher at Holland Middle School in the Holland Public School District.  This award adds to his accomplishments as he was named National Amazing Teacher of the Month in 2021 by Gannett Publications, the parent company of The Holland Sentinel. 

Boerman has developed strong community partnerships to help bring opportunities to his students such as 3D printers, virtual reality headsets, a mobile kitchen unit, and the school’s greenhouse.  

The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) organizes the Teacher of the Year program to honor and elevate teacher voice. Honorees will have the opportunity to share their experiences and knowledge as they work with stakeholders to strengthen Michigan’s public schools for our students and our educators. 

The 2022-23 honorees were chosen for their dedication to the teaching profession, as evidenced by their commitment to their students and track record of service in the teaching profession. 

Together, the Regional Teachers of the Year (RTOYs) comprise the Michigan Teacher Leadership Advisory Council (MTLAC). The mission of the MTLAC is to bring teacher voice to a wider audience, including direct work with MDE to provide input on proposed policies and initiatives, and to help to share valuable information and resources with teacher colleagues in their respective regions. 

The next step in the process is for each RTOY to interview with a panel of statewide education stakeholders, with one individual being selected as the 2022-23 Michigan Teacher of the Year (MTOY). 

The MTOY has a seat at the State Board of Education table as a non-voting member; attends several national conferences with fellow state teachers of the year from other U.S. states and territories, to represent the experiences of Michigan’s teachers and students; and will be Michigan’s candidate for National Teacher of the Year. 

Join other teachers for a weeklong exploration of cybersecurity and computers in the scenic Upper Peninsula of Michigan! 

A GenCyber teacher camp for thirty middle / high school teachers will be held on Michigan Tech campus during the week of June 20 - June 24, 2022. The camp covers fundamental cyber hygiene and cybersecurity knowledge including ethics, phishing, PC architecture, Linux, networking, wireless, and ethical hacking. The camp also includes 8 hours of pre-camp activities and 8 hours of post-camp activities during the school year. The GenCyber camp curriculum was built upon the Michigan Computer Science K-12 Standards.  

Benefits for Teachers:

• 24 State Continuing Education Clock Hours (SCECHs) 
• Stipend of $600 for attending and completing GenCyber activities 
• Free room & board (commuting optional) 
• Free Raspberry Pi computer 
• Experience with Computer Science & Cybersecurity matching K-12 standards 
• Opportunity to explore MTU & the beautiful landscape of the Keweenaw Peninsula 

Prior knowledge of computers and cybersecurity is not required. However, it’s helpful to have a strong interest in computers and cybersecurity. Women and underrepresented minority groups in STEM are strongly encouraged to apply. 

For more information and to apply, visit https://www.mtu.edu/gencyber/#teacher. 

Applications will be accepted until the camp is full. 

To celebrate Earth Day 2022, MakerGirl is hosting a nationally available opportunity: Earth Day 3D Printing Lesson: Under the Sea. Girls ages 7–10 will learn about 3D printing for coral reef preservation techniques as well as the first woman to direct the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Corps and Office of Marine and Aviation Operations, Evelyn J. Fields. Girls will design a 3D sea creature, which will be printed and mailed to them after the session. 

When: Wednesday, April 20, 2022 
Time: 6:00 PM  7:15 PM 

Click here for more information and to register. 

MakerGirl is working to bridge the gender gap in STEM fields by providing 3D printing classes to girls ages 7–15.  During each session, participants learn about 3D design, 3D printing and its applications, women in STEM, and careers in STEM and each participant designs and prints their very own object. 

The Girlstart for Educators website was created to help you empower your students in STEM! Here you will find free Girlstart curriculum, STEM resources, effective messaging tips, collaboration opportunities, and more. Join the Girlstart for Educators email newsletter and receive quarterly tips and resources on engaging girls in STEM directly to your inbox. 

Resources for Educators: 

• Weekly Activities 
• Free Curriculum 
• DeSTEMber 
• Resources 

Let's empower high school students to address complex problems with design solutions that help build a better future, for people and the planet! 

Kendall College of Art and Design's Wege Prize High School Collaborative Studio is a summer workshop for curious high school students entering their junior/senior years that immerses students in the solving of complex “wicked” problems through the lens of whole systems design thinking, sustainability, and the circular economy. 

The 2022 Cohort is now accepting applications!  Applications are due by June 27. 

2022 Program Dates: 
July 25–August 5, 2022
Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM to 3:30pm

Students will receive: 

• $500 stipend and lunches
• Certificate of completion 
• College/career readiness and portfolio quality work 
• Letters of recommendation 
• Community network building and professional mentoring 

More information and application here 

The 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.  

The application deadline is the last day of every month and a minimum of 2 winners will be notified approximately 6 weeks from entry. 

For more information and to apply, click here.

Society for Science is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) membership organization dedicated to public engagement in scientific research and education that offers STEM competitions, conferences, and STEM grants.  Their STEM Action Grant program aims to bolster and support community-driven nonprofit organizations that are working to enhance the public’s understanding of science and to increase participation of underrepresented populations in STEM fields. 

Applicants must meet the eligibility guidelines and criteria specified. Visit The Society for Science STEM Action Grants to find out more about the grant, how to apply and FAQ's.  

High-Demand & High-Wage Occupation: Civil Engineers

Civil engineers are highly trained professionals who plan public works projects and supervise their implementation. Most work in the private sector, but a good portion of them work in government. Their work is all around us - the infrastructure that moves people and commerce around the country was designed and implemented under the guidance of generations of civil engineers. 

Civil engineers design and supervise construction of major public works projects such as buildings, highways, airports, bridges, and dams. Since there are so many different types of projects a civil engineer can undertake, many of them specialize in a type of project or branch of the profession such as transportation engineering, structural engineering or geotechnical engineering. Civil Engineering is a High-Demand, High-Wage Occupation in Michigan and is expected to grow 4.3% through 2028.  

Wondering what skills are important for Civil Engineers?  
Every civil engineer should have a strong understanding of industry and government standards, requirements, and guidelines. In addition, civil engineers should have strong leadership, decision-making, analytical thinking, math, organization, technical writing, and communication skills. 

Visit the Balanced Careers.com to learn more about the five most common and important skills necessary to be a civil engineer.  

A person working as a Civil Engineer in Michigan typically earns around an average yearly salary of $77,160 per year. Salaries range from $52,700 (lowest) to $120,000 (highest). Civil Engineer salaries vary drastically based on experience, education, skills, gender, or location.  

To learn more about Civil Engineering salary, job market, and education requirements, visit Career Explorer.com.  

Check out the American Society of Civil Engineers list of children's books related to civil engineering projects in New York City. These books can be used by teachers, parents, and engineers to help describe things that civil engineers design and build to kids of all ages.  

Teachers, Students, Professionals, and Career-Seekers:  join the "EV... What Does it Mean for Me?" career awareness event to learn how EV's are making an impact and what the skills and career pathways are for high demand jobs. 

Electric Vehicles (EVs) are in the news, and it seems every major manufacturer is focusing their future on them! But why? And what does it mean for consumers, the community, and the environment? How will this impact our daily commute, road trips, and muscle cars? Tune in to hear leaders in this space share the technology at work today and their vision for tomorrow. Professionals will share the skills and career pathways that will be in high demand for a successful future. 

Register here for this virtual event on April 19!

Michigan Construction Career Days is Michigan’s premiere construction career exploration event. Based on the National Career Day model, MICCD provides Michigan’s young people a chance to experience construction up-close, getting the chance to use real tools, materials and heavy equipment under the direct guidance of construction professionals from all sectors of the industry. These young people will not only see what construction is, but learn of the training and education paths to secure the good paying jobs a career in construction provides. 

Visit Michigan Construction Career Days for more information on how to register your school, how to become an exhibitor and how to become a sponsor.  

When: May 4 & 5, 2022 
Where: Operating Engineers 324 Construction Career Center 275 Highland Street, Howell, MI 

For specific questions, please contact: info@michiganccd.com 

Click here to download a Construction Career Days printable flyer.  

Behind the Seeds at Disney Gardens 

Check out the Behind the Seeds Full Tour at Disney’s EPCOT to see their integrative pest management lab and hydroponic garden! 

If you’re looking for more ways to connect with plants and learn more about hydroponics, try these resources too! 

Visit PBS How Does IT Grow series to find out how hydroponic farmers grow spinach — one of the most nutrient-packed foods on the planet — even in the dead of winter. 

Explore Kids Gardening to learn how growing plants hydroponically helps gardeners and farmers grow more food more rapidly in smaller areas (for instance; greenhouses, living rooms, classrooms, and rooftops) and to produce food in parts of the world where space, good soil, and/or water are limited. 

The MiSTEM Network and SquareOne Network are excited to announce our Elementary CS Bootcamp! We have designed a workshop that will get you started with computer science curriculum, education robotics, and integrating CS into the core curriculum. This will be an intense and exciting 3-day workshop this summer and we are looking for ambitious instructors that are either starting their journey with computer science or looking to stretch their learning.  

This workshop is designed for educators working with 3rd-5th grade students. This includes (but not limited to) grade level instructors, specials/elective instructors, media specialists, and informal classroom educators.  

This workshop is covered by MiSTEM Network grant funds and we will have an application process to get accepted. We are looking for instructors that are intending to implement the materials in the 2022-23 academic year.  

Accepted applicants will be receiving free hotel lodging for this workshop and a mini-robotics kit! 

Summer Option 1 
July 19, 20, & 21, 2022 
Troy High School 
4777 Northfield Pkwy        
Troy, MI 48098 

Summer Option 2 
July 26, 27, & 28, 2022 
Eberhard Center, GVSU 
301 Fulton St. W 
Grand Rapids, MI 49504 

Links to more information: 
Elem CS Bootcamp Workshop Details 
Application Link for CS Bootcamp 

Reach out to Larry Wyn at wynlar@gvsu.edu if you have any questions.  

The MiSTEM Network is excited to announce this year’s Modeling Instruction workshops and the recent innovations provided by Modeling in Michigan teachers who facilitate workshops, and improve course frameworks. 

All workshops include a $125/day stipend, SCECH’s, graduate credits, and where appropriate support for hotels. 

Click here for more information and to apply. 

Modeling Instruction in Michigan is grateful for the support of the MiSTEM Advisory Council Grant and the MiSTEM Network for supporting workshops, and for partners who have helped design and enhance Modeling workshops and instructional resources: MiSTAR, SquareOne Educational Network, Bosch Community Foundation, the Detroit Metropolitan Physics Teachers, and the American Modeling Teachers Association.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced in March that $4 million in grants have been awarded to prepare Michigan’s young adults for career and educational opportunities.   

The Young Professionals initiative aims to reduce youth unemployment and place young adults, ages 14 to 24, on a path to economic self-reliance. The initiative helps these young adults to obtain employment by exposing them to multiple career and educational opportunities such as entering a Registered Apprenticeship program, earning a college degree or certificate, and obtaining sustainable employment. 

The Young Professionals program helps with Michigan's Sixty by 30 goal to have 60% of working-age adults with a skill certificate or college degree by 2030. 

The grants have been awarded to the state's various Michigan Works! agencies across the state.  

More information about the program is available through the Michigan Works! network. To contact the nearest Michigan Works! Service Center, call 800-285-WORKS (9675) or visit https://www.michiganworks.org/. 

The Youth Development and Mentoring Program (YDMP) of the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), is preparing a diverse workforce for the future by providing participants with opportunities to pursue higher education, personal growth, and exposure to transportation careers.

The program values responsibility, empowerment, respect, integrity, relationship building, and safety. MDOT offers mentoring activities and sessions to teach job and life skills, introduce college/university options, and present high school students and recent high school graduates with information about careers in civil engineering, road construction and maintenance, planning, and other areas of transportation.

Apply to YDMP

The assignment will be to an MDOT location/site. Assignments take into consideration county of residence provided with the application. 

For instructions on how to apply, see the Michigan Civil Service Commission (MCSC) FAQ about how to apply for State of Michigan jobs. The MCSC NEOGOV system handles applications for vacancies at MDOT, including those in the YDMP program.

Begin the application process and find YDMP Job Postings. The 2022 MDOT Youth Development and Mentoring Program is accepting applications for the season.

Questions? Contact MDOT-YDMP@Michigan.gov

The Grand Rapids WhiteWater 10-day Summer Science and Leadership Program takes learning outside the classroom where participants will: 

1. Conduct hands-on science investigations around sturgeon, aquatic species, and the federally-endangered snuffbox mussel. 
2. Learn about and practice principles of Design Thinking, a process for creativity and innovation. 
3. Work with scientists, business owners and civic leaders invested in our communities. 
4. Present your research to community leaders working to build a sustainable future. 

Students who successfully complete the program requirements of attendance, research report, team presentations, and career profile will earn a $200 educational stipend. 

Program Details: 
Tentative Dates: July 11-22, 2022 (Monday to Friday, no weekends) 
Time:  9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 
Locations: Grand Rapids Public Museum and surrounding locations 
Ages: Incoming high school juniors and seniors, Fall 2022 

How to Apply:
2022 Application information is now available. Please click on the links below to apply. You may apply online using the google form links below, or download a PDF copy of the application and the adult recommendation form and mail them to the address provided. Applications will begin being accepted beginning May 1, 2022.

Online Registration Using Google Forms: 
2022 Summer Science & Leadership Program Application 
2022 Adult Recommendation Form 
Solicitud del Programa de Liderazgo y Ciencia de Verano 2022 

PDF Version of Application Documents: 
2022 Summer Science & Leadership Program Application 
Solicitud del Programa de Liderazgo y Ciencia de Verano 2022 

Please send any questions or concerns to David Koning at davidkoning73@gmail.com 

Take an adventure around downtown Muskegon on Saturday, May 7, 2022 from 10am -4pm to participate in STEAM activities and collect passport stickers for a prize. The first 1,000 children to participate will receive a sling bag with a STEAM kit and a “passport”. They will travel between the four anchor organizations (Hackley Public Library, Muskegon Community College Lakeshore Fab Lab, Lakeshore Museum Center, and Muskegon Museum of Art) and Hackley Park for the event, participating in STEAM activities at each location. After completing each activity, they will get their passports stamped. Once they receive enough stamps, they will receive a STEAM Along the Lakeshore t-shirt.  

STEAM Along The Lakeshore is an annual event in Muskegon, Michigan that promotes STEAM learning in the community. Organizers include the Hackley Public Library, Lakeshore Fab Lab, Lakeshore Museum Center, MiSTEM Network's Greater West Michigan Region, Muskegon Community College, and Muskegon Museum of Art. 

When: May 7, 2022 – 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM 
Where: Hackley Park – 350 W. Western Ave, Muskegon MI 49440 

Family fun for everyone!

Joy of Coding Online course by the University of Michigan

Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Michigan is excited to be offering an online course that high school students can participate in this summer, The Joy Of Coding, which takes place June 22, 2022 - August 3, 2022.  

The Joy Of Coding online course has been specially created for anyone who wants to experience first-hand the power and thrill of coding computers to do amazing things. Created with high school students in mind, it is a great way for anyone to step into the wondrous world of coding. You’ll learn by doing and experience how coding powers apps such as Snapchat and TikTok.  

No prior coding experience is required! Anyone who wants to learn is welcome. Students who are able to commit 4-6 hours a week and chip away at the material daily will succeed. 

Students will:  

• Have weekly asynchronous coding lectures/assignments using an interactive textbook 
• Learn to code at their own pace with support from Michigan ECE faculty and students   
  • No scheduled lectures  
• Have our commitment to help you get unstuck when learning to code   
  • Everyone gets stuck somewhere, at some point! 
• Receive a certificate of accomplishment to bolster your college applications 

Please visit the website for further information including math prerequisites, cost ($99  + tax), important dates, and more!  

For priority consideration, please submit an application by April 30, 2022!
Need-based financial aid is available. 

Ferris State University is hosting a summer Cyber Security Camp from June 19th through June 22nd on the Big Rapids, Michigan campus.  This camp is a great way for students ages 15 to 18 to have fun exploring high-demand careers in Cybersecurity through fun, hands-on activities in areas such as digital forensics and cryptography.   The camp will be led by three full-time professors within Ferris’ highly accredited Information Security and Intelligence program.   Current cybersecurity students will provide additional support and serve as camp counselors.   

Scholarships that may cover part or all of the cost of the camp are available. There are many seats still available, but registration is limited.   

Registration Deadline: June 11, 2022 

More information including how to apply for scholarships and links to registration can be found at https://fsuisi.org/summer-camp. 

Join the Career Girls Environmental Science Camp on April 28, 29, and 30, 2022 to learn about environmental justice, understanding challenges to human environments, and advocacy with experts from around the world. The times are 4:00-5:00 pm Pacific Time April 28, 29, 2022 and 10:00-11:00 am Pacific Time April 30, 2022. 

Environmental Science Virtual Camp 2022 
Thursday, Apr 28, 2022 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM EST 
Friday, Apr 29, 2022 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM EST 
Saturday, Apr 30, 2022 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM EST 

For more information and how to register, visit Career Girls Environmental Virtual Camp Registration page. This camp is free of charge and is geared towards girls ages 10-15.  

The JA Girls' Dream Fair: A STEM Experience, hosted by Junior Achievement of the Michigan Great Lakes, will inspire hundreds of seventh and eighth grade girls in West Michigan. Students from Grand Rapids, Northern Michigan, Lansing, Battle Creek/Kalamazoo, Holland, and the Lakeshore are invited to participate in this unique opportunity. In a 2-hour format, JA will introduce these students to women mentors who work in STEM related fields and show them the exciting possibilities for their future. As the research suggests this is key in increasing their pursuit of STEM careers. Guided by JA's It's My Future curriculum, students will investigate, ask questions and be inspired to consider STEM for their future. 

When: Friday, May 13, 2022 
Where: JA Free Enterprise Center 
Time: 9:00 AM EST 

Interested in volunteering for this event? Contact Katrina Begrow at katrina.begrow@ga.org. 

Throughout TrueNorth Community Services' 50 year history, the agency has had a wide variety of programs and services. Some for a short duration, others for a decade or two and some offered for their entire 50 years. It’s through robust program offerings, relationship building, a supportive community and an agency that’s committed to Newaygo County roots that has helped TrueNorth Community Services grow over the last 50 years. Through programs, ongoing mentorship, and other opportunities for resilience, TrueNorth sows seeds that the entire community will reap the benefits from tomorrow. 

Now more than ever youth are in need of positive role models. TrueMentors exists to build self-confidence and provide new experiences that support positive growth. Mentoring is a ripple effect: one small influence can have an impact. You can help by volunteering to becoming a mentor.

Ready to volunteer? Visit TrueNorth Community Services to learn more about becoming a mentor and other volunteer opportunities.

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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