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LANSING-- General Motors contributed $1.5 million to support the MiSTEM Network to advance innovation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education in Michigan. The gift, bringing their total support to $2.5M, is focused on preparing Michigan students for high-demand careers in STEAM.
"Our partnership with GM is an example of how public-private partnerships are helping Michigan thrive both now and in the future," said LEO Director Susan Corbin. "This generous donation will help Michigan's students have access to diverse STEM career paths and an array of in-demand careers as they graduate, and our state's employers will have the talent pipeline they need."
This strategic investment builds the strength of a public-private collaboration among General Motors, the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity's MiSTEM Network and MTEC SmartZone to build dynamic learning environments that connect students with real-world and in-demand industry experiences. MTEC SmartZone, a nonprofit innovation hub, is coordinating the administration of these funds.
"Investing in students is investing in the strength of our communities. Through our partnership with MiSTEM, MTEC SmartZone, and communities across Michigan, GM is helping connect classroom learning to real-world experiences and equipping students with skills to pursue opportunity and shape a bright future for themselves," said David Massaron, vice president of Infrastructure and Corporate Citizenship at General Motors.
This funding directly supports the state STEM strategy of place-, problem- and project-based (3P) learning aligned with Michigan's strategic industries. These funds will be used for elementary (K-5) student programming focused on in- and out- of-school learning with students, community, businesses and families. This grant funding will also support the publication and enhancement of a publicly available Michigan STEM learning asset map.
"MTEC is honored to collaborate with General Motors and the MiSTEM Network in pursuing our common goal of creating and facilitating exceptional educational opportunities for students throughout Michigan," said David Rowe, CEO of MTEC SmartZone. "Michigan will benefit by providing students with an environment that encourages innovation. General Motors’ investment is helping make that possible. By giving students the opportunity to be creative and develop problem solving skills at a young age, we can help foster innovative thinking and drive Michigan toward success."
"Funding from General Motors is critical in helping us meet the STEM needs of students and instrumental in preparing our workforce of the future by educating them today," said Megan Schrauben, Executive Director of MiSTEM, "We are grateful for the support of GM and these investments allow us to continue being a national leader in STEM strategy."
As Michigan invests in a more resilient, future-ready workforce, this effort plays a key role in equipping students with the tools and confidence to succeed in tomorrow's economy. By aligning education with the needs of industry, the MiSTEM Network and its partners are working to close talent gaps and strengthen local communities across the state. Michigan's economic future - whether in rural communities, small towns, villages or cities - needs a workforce skilled in critical thinking, collaboration and innovation which are cultivated through STEM education. To meet these workforce needs, there is an urgency to provide 3P STEM education learning opportunities guided by local, cultural and economic development needs.
With the prior investment, we are already seeing this work take root in communities across the state. In fact, there was so much interest in this work that the projections for the grant were exceeded by over 300% with over 31,000 students, educators and community partners joining. The funding from General Motors this year will once again match a state investment of $680,000 for each of the 16 MiSTEM Network Regions.
This level of investment would not have been possible without the generous support of GM Corporate Citizenship and the leadership of MiSTEM. Their shared commitment to advancing STEM opportunities across Michigan is helping to build a stronger, more equitable future for students, educators and our communities statewide.