Features

Michigan will need to fill an estimated 274,000 STEM-related positions by 2018. While the state is struggling to produce workers qualified to take those jobs, a handful of programs are helping fill the gaps and giving motivated local students a leg up in the world of STEM.

As the school year winds down and the temperature rises, a feeling of summer and freedom washes over young students. The last thing on their mind is more homework and reading. But what happens when these young minds sit idle for three months? It is a fact that children who read over the summer retain more information and gain reading skills, while those who do not will frequently slide backward.

Chopping, prepping, baking and cooking are the tasks on the lesson plan at the Capital Area Career Center (CACC) in Lansing. The culinary arts and hospitality program breaks away from the traditional high school curriculum. You may be hungry after reading this one -- InspirED chatted with instructor Chef Corbett Day and student Kelsey Parsons of the culinary arts program for this delicious dual interview.   

If you enjoy watching the hit CNBC hit show Shark Tank, you would have enjoyed the 5 Minutes Tops event at Lansing Community College on Wednesday, March 4.

Coding isn't just for college students anymore. With the importance of STEM careers on the rise, Clarkson Community Schools are making sure their students are prepared and ready to code. The Clarkston Community Schools elementary coding club vision stems from code.org, “Every student in every school should have the opportunity to learn computer science.” 

Michigan has amazing industrial and business resources. Public schools have a real opportunity to bridge the gap between the skill demands of our businesses and labor force and the students who are graduating from our high schools. For Michigan to be strong, we need qualified, independent, skilled and prepared young people entering our workforce. It is the community's responsibility to work together to make this transition seamless and strong. 

As a young high school student, deciding on a career or preparing for college may seem far off. But for some students, it makes for the perfect opportunity to explore various fields, industries and post-graduation opportunities -- all before tossing their graduation caps.

Imagine a future where every Michigan student not only went to college, but started that collegiate career before they even left high school. For some students, it's already happening, and it could have big implications for education in our state.

If you didn’t know better, you’d think Whitehall Middle School’s school colors were shades of green, instead of red and black. Whitehall students, passionate about the environment, have made a name for themselves the past three years by winning multiple times in the Lexus Eco Challenge, a national STEM competition.

Harper Woods School District is turning green­­ -- in a good way. Situated in Metro Detroit, Harper Woods will soon to be an educational leader for green technologies with the installation of its alternative energy power plants, learning labs and greenhouse expected this spring.   

These days, biking and walking to school may seem to be a tradition of past generations. InspirED recently chatted with Katie Johnson, the Safe Routes to School program coordinator at the Michigan Fitness Foundation, to find out what's being done to encourage healthy -- and green -- ways to get to school.

Place-based education and environmental stewardship combine in a statewide initiative to help northwest Michigan's next generation become good stewards of the Great Lakes.

Education can take place anywhere. Students in Genesee County are learning their core content while also learning more about their own communities through an innovative, place-based sustainability education initiative.

No matter how remote their locations, some U.P. districts are taking technology by the horns to keep their students learning at full speed.

'To College, Through College' is a public/private partnership with a lofty goal: increasing the percentage of Grand Rapids students who not only head off to college but also walk across the stage years later, diploma in hand.