Northeast MiSTEM Updates

Congratulations to Alcona Community Schools!

We are excited to celebrate Alcona Community Schools as one of only 17 public education agencies across Michiganselected to receive funding through the MiSTEM Playbook Mini Grant program.

This statewide initiative, supported by the MiSTEM Network and General Motors, will expand Place-, Project- and Problem-based (3P) STEM learning, giving students more opportunities to engage in hands-on, real-world STEM experiences.

For rural communities like ours, investments like this help ensure that students have access to innovative learning experiences that connect classroom learning to high-demand STEM careers.

👏 Congratulations to the educators and leaders at Alcona Community Schools for their commitment to expanding STEM opportunities for students!

There are 41 hands-on STEM Career Exploration Camps and Academies available to students across Northeast Michigan this summer—with even more opportunities offered by partner organizations throughout the region!

These experiences are designed to help students discover their interests, build real-world skills, and explore future careers through engaging, hands-on learning.

COP ESD High School Academies -Welding • CNC Machining • Building & Construction Trades

✔ Paid stipends
✔ Industry-recognized credentials
✔ Business immersion trips
✔ Career & employability skill development

COP ESD STEM Summer Camps -From skilled trades to healthcare, engineering, agriculture, robotics, drones, and careers working with children—students will explore a wide variety of high-demand fields through hands-on experiences and employer connections.

COOR ISD STEM Summer Camps -Explore careers in surveying & geospatial technology, coding, robotics, healthcare, and more—designed to spark curiosity and introduce students to emerging career pathways.

Kirtland College Summer Camps:Automotive • Exploring Electricity • HVAC • Future Nurses • Art • eSports

IOSCO Summer Camps
Automotive • Building Trades • Welding • Drones • Health Occupations • Culinary Arts • Business Management
A diverse lineup of hands-on camps designed to introduce students to skilled trades, emerging technologies, and essential career pathways.

Other opportunities available: - Check out the Roscommon Youth Police Academy, Trouth Camp, Great Lakes Natural Resource Camp, Camp at Thunder Bay Marine Sanctuary, Sports Camps and many more at North Central College and Michigan Tech!

Whether students are just beginning to explore or ready to take the next step toward a career, there is something for everyone this summer.

👉 Don’t wait—spots are limited and fill quickly! Be sure to explore all opportunities and register early.

We are incredibly grateful for the generous grant funding that helps make our Summer STEM Career Exploration Camps and Academies possible. These investments directly support student access, hands-on materials, transportation to employer sites, and industry-recognized certifications. Because of this support, more students across Northeast Michigan—regardless of background—can explore high-demand careers and build skills for their future.

We are honored to partner with organizations that believe in creating opportunities and strengthening the talent pipeline in our region, including:

• Awakon Credit Union
• Enbridge
• Gene Haas Foundation
• IOSCO Community Foundation
• Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Rural Development Fund Grant
• Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential Out of School Time Grant
• Otsego Community Foundation
• Straits Area Community Foundation

Our camps would not be possible without the commitment of our local businesses and community partners. From hosting site visits and providing guest speakers to donating materials, equipment, and time—your involvement brings these experiences to life. You help students see what’s possible, connect learning to real careers, and envision their future right here in Northeast Michigan.

A full list of partners and highlights from across the region will be shared in an upcoming edition as our summer season kicks off.

We’re proud to share that our Summer STEM Career Exploration Camps & Academies were recently featured in Cheboygan Today! The article highlights how these hands-on, grant-funded experiences are helping students explore careers, earn industry credentials, and build clear pathways to their future. From middle school exploration to high school pre-apprenticeships, students are gaining real-world skills and connections with local employers.

Read the full article here: Regional Youth Explore Their Futures at CTE Summer Camps & Academies

Learn the foundational elements of

place-based stewardship education and how to implement projects with your students in this educator summer workshop

• Fisheries Science
• Watershed Exploration
• PBSE Project Support
• Get the Student Experience
• Connect with Local Partners
• Continuing Ed Credits
• $500 Project Stipend
  

July 21-23, 2026

Give your students a powerful start to 2026 with NSTA’s NCCSTS Case Collection —featuring 1,000+ case studies that connect science concepts to real-world events. From disease outbreaks to space travel, these ready-to-use stories promote critical thinking, collaboration, and deeper learning across all science disciplines. Perfect for high school educators and college professors. For more MDE Science Updates, click HERE.

Sinkhole Science: Engaging Place & Problem Based Lessons

Workshop for teachers * Saturday, May 2, 2026 * Alpena, Michigan

Catch student interest with lessons related to Michigan sinkholes.

During this workshop you will tour a sinkhole, participate in a problem-based engineering

activity, and take away activities to address a number of Michigan educational standards.

Included will be demonstrations of ground penetrating radar, models of groundwater and

sinkholes, differences in rock properties, and a variety of educational resources.

Watch for registration information on the web site of the Michigan Earth Science Teachers

Association:

https://mesta.wildapricot.org/

This is a joint project of the Michigan Earth Science Teachers Association and the

Northeast Michigan Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative.

Additional support from the Thunder Bay Marine Sanctuary, Lake Superior State University

Geology Department, the Michigan Karst Conservancy, the American Cave Conservation

Association, and the Michigan Geological Repository for Research & Education.

One of the most popular summer teacher courses takes place aboard the EPA research vessel Lake Guardian. Each year, educators spend a week aboard, working alongside scientists during the Shipboard Science Immersion—an unforgettable, hands-on experience focused on Great Lakes science, stewardship, and experiential learning. Take a moment to read this blog about the 2025 sail, and be sure to save the date for the 2026 Lake Superior experience!

NotebookLM

https://notebooklm.google.com/

NotebookLM is an AI-powered research and notetaking assistant from Google that allows users to upload, summarize, and query multiple sources, such as documents and videos, to generate insights, outlines, and podcast-style audio overviews.

YT - NotebookLM Gives you Super Powers, Here's How to Unlock it

YT - Google's 6 Hour Prompt Engineering Course in 10 Minutes

Exciting Computer Science Workshops for All

The CSforMichigan Collaborative invites educators to participate in engaging Code.org professional learning workshops this summer. Designed for a range of grade levels and interests, these sessions support teachers in building confidence, expanding skills, and exploring innovative computer science topics. Join fellow educators for a collaborative learning experience focused on bringing high-quality computer science instruction into the classrooms.

Virtual Workshops for Educators

These virtual workshops are designed for educators at all levels of computer science experience and can support meeting the Michigan high school computer science requirement. The curricula are free and include all instructional resources needed to begin empowering students with computer science right away.

AI Foundations - Virtual (9th - 12th grade)

Date: July 27 - 31, 2026

Time: 9:00a - 4:30p ET

Cost: $1,000

Location: Virtual

Register Here

For financial assistance information complete this LINK

AI Foundations(AIF) by Code.org is a free, flexible curriculum that introduces students to the core principles and real-world applications of computer science. Discover adaptable units that combine foundational computer science concepts with hands-on AI projects to inspire students with real-world problem-solving. Flexible modules allow you to build and embed CS and AI literacy content that fits your needs. Use as a stand-alone course or embed into existing curriculum.

Mi-coding.com for more information

CS Principles (9th - 12th grade)

Date: July 13 - 16, 2026

Time: 9:00a - 4:30p ET

Cost: $800

Location: Virtual

Register Here

For financial assistance information complete this LINK

AP CS Principles (AP CSP) by Code.org is a free, year-long, college-level course introducing programming, data, the internet, and the societal impact of computing, fostering creativity and problem-solving. Use as an approved College Board AP curriculum, or as a non-AP class. A multi-day, professional learning series in Summer 2026 equips new and veteran to CS educators to teach a course that meets the Michigan HS CS requirement.

Mi-coding.com for more information

The CSforMichigan Collaborative is excited to offer Code.org workshops in:

• CS Fundamentals (K–5)
• CS Connections & Maker Micro:bits (K–8)

These virtual workshops are free for all Michigan educators and are funded through MiSTEM Advisory Council grants.

No prior computer science experience is needed—just bring your curiosity and readiness to learn!

Register today to gain access to high-quality professional learning in computer science.

Code.org: CS Fundamentals Intro Workshop (Kdg-5 & MS)

Computer Science Fundamentals is a Code.org curriculum designed for students in kindergarten through fifth grade (K-5). Each grade-level unit is between 12-20 lessons long and is built for flexible implementation. During the workshop, participants will learn from certified Code.org facilitators, participate in a model lesson, learn the management system, and dive into the lessons. Middle School teachers can also use this curriculum for students that have no prior experience with CS.

New Series: CS Connections & Maker(Micro:bits): (3-8)

The CS Connections Online workshops is a three-part virtual series that supports educators implementing CS into their elementary classrooms. Facilitators will model skilled-based lessons so teachers can integrate them into their core instructional time. The educators will also be able to plan, reflect, and modify lessons. Educators can attend any one of the four workshops or they can attend all four workshops.

Sign up today for a series that works best with your schedule and share this information with your colleagues.

Dates: See Registration Flyer for date options and registration links

Times: 4:30pm - 6:30pm ET

Location: Virtual

Cost: Registration Covered by MiSTEM Network Advisory Council Grants

What is Provided: Teaching Resources, SCECHs and a stipend

For more information about CS Fundamentals Workshops, check out website: https://www.mi-coding.com/cs-fundamentals.html

Workshop Goals

At the end of the workshop, teachers will know:

• The importance of CS for all students, and the teachers’ role in creating an environment where all students can learn equitably.
• How CS can be used as an avenue for getting CS to all students.
• What CS courses look like (lesson plans, online activities, unplugged activities).
• Which courses and lessons of CS are most appropriate for their students.

At the end of the workshop, teachers will have:

• A plan of action for starting to teach CS and integrate CS Connections into their classroom
• Long(er) term goals about how deep into the course they would like to go with students.
• Strategies for teaching CS lessons.
• A connection to the community of CS teachers.

SCECHs & Stipends

Participants will receive SCECHs at no cost along with a stipend at the completion of the workshop series. Stipends are provided by the MiSTEM Network through the MiSTEM Network Advisory Council grant awarded to Grand Valley State University (GVSU). Stipends are paid out through GVSU.

Registration for the Michigan Math and Data Summit is officially open! This is a multi-conference, statewide event that GISD has been working on in partnership with UM-Flint!

Michigan Math and Data Summit Leadership Conference

Audience: District and ISD Superintendents, consultants, principals, legislators, community stakeholders, district decision-makers

Learning Topics:

• National landscape of math reforms- including impacts of data science and AI

• Policy landscape in Michigan- modernizing math within the current system

• Policy change in Michigan- modernizing Michigan's K-12 Math for the future

Keynote Speakers: Emmanuel Schanzer, Jo Boaler

Location: Riverfront Conference Center, Flint

Date: May 29th, 2026

Time: 9am-3pm

Register Here!

Audience: Any 9th-12th grade student in Michigan

Learning Topics:

• Computer Science, Data Science and AI

• Environment and Policy

• Healthcare and Medicine

• Engineering and Trades

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Bobby Mukkamala, President of the American Medical Association

Location: UM Flint

Date: May 29th, 2026

Time: 9am-1:30pm

Register Here (limited to 400 students total, register now!)

Check out the conference website for more information.

We are excited to share with you available workshops from Bootstrap. We are offering Algebra 1 & 2 and Expressions and Equations in Summer 2026. Learn how to use real data to answer questions that matter, bringing real-world applications to Math.

Check it out - Full Scholarships to Cover Registration Costs!

Bootstrap Workshops

Exciting Math + CS Workshops for All

The CSforMichigan Collaborative invites educators to participate in engaging professional learning workshops this summer. Designed for a range of grade levels and interests, these sessions support teachers in building confidence, expanding skills, and exploring innovative math, data science, and computer science topics. Join fellow educators for a collaborative learning experience focused on bringing high-quality instruction into the classrooms.

Summer 2026 Workshops for Educators

These workshops support middle and high school math educators in strengthening algebra instruction by integrating problem-based learning and computer science concepts into Algebra 1 & 2 and middle school Expressions & Equations Standards. Designed for educators at all experience levels, the Bootstrap curriculum connects required mathematics expectations with computing to deepen student understanding through applied problem solving. All instructional materials are provided, giving teachers the resources needed to confidently incorporate computational thinking into their math classrooms right away.

Bootstrap Algebra 1 & 2

(8th - 12th Grade)

Two Locations to Choose From:

West Shore ESD

2130 West US-10 ✧ Ludington, MI 49431

Days 1–3 (Face-to-Face):

June 29 - July 1, 2026

Days 4–5 (Virtual): August 10–11, 2026

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. ET

Cost: Full Scholarship Provided

Register - West Shore ISD

Macomb ISD

44001 Garfield Rd ✧ Clinton Twp, MI 48038

Days 1–3 (Face-to-Face):

July 27–29, 2026

Days 4–5 (Virtual): August 10–11, 2026

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. ET

Cost: Full Scholarship Provided

Register - Macomb ISD

Bootstrap Algebra 1 & 2 by Bootstrap is a free, research-based, integrated Computer Science and Data Science modules for Math, Science, Business and Social Studies classes grades 8-12. Explore new ways to teach required Algebra concepts using meaningful, real-world data. This five-day workshop series will equip educators with the ability to implement module-based math lessons that capitalize on the modern digital tools that computer science offers to support effective and efficient teaching and learning.The modules are designed so that teachers can mix-and-match content to fit their needs, whether to incorporate a few lessons, a 3-week unit, or a standalone course in data science, sophisticated interactive programming,

Teachers enrolling in the Algebra 1 & 2 series are eligible for a stipend. See website for more information Mi-coding.com

Expressions and Equations

(4th - 12 Grade)

Macomb ISD

44001 Garfield Rd ✧ Clinton Twp, MI 48038

Date: July 27 - 29, 2026

Time: 9:00a - 4:30p ET

Cost: Scholarship Provided

Register Here

Bootstrap: Expressions and Equations, three-day summer workshop, equips teachers to integrate computer science concepts into mathematics classrooms using the Bootstrap curriculum. Participants explore how programming and mathematical modeling can reinforce core mathematics standards, such as Order of Operations, Algebraic Properties (Commutativity, Associativity, Distribution, Identity, Inverses, and more!), Exponents, Opposites and Absolute Values, Variables and Solving Equations.

Teachers will experience lessons as learners, then unpack the underlying mathematics and pedagogy. By the end of the workshop, participants will be prepared to implement the curriculum with confidence, connect coding to real-world problem-solving, and support all students in deepening their understanding of math through engaging, project-based learning.

See website for more information. Mi-coding.com

U-M's Electric Vehicle Center has created a series of K-12 classroom posters in order to inspire the next generation of EV mobility career seekers. The posters highlight a variety of careers and are tailored to four grade bands of students (K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12). You can see all of the posters here: https://heyzine.com/flip-book/4623d5ce3e.html

Posters are available for download here or requests can be submitted via this form to have paper copies mailed to teachers.

Start Engineering. We publish a student-friendly suite of career exploration resources that help students connect STEM coursework to real opportunities in today’s fastest-growing fields — biotechnology, cybersecurity, AI, data science, and engineering. Making that connection between STEM coursework and STEM careers is vital.

Our materials are used in a range of settings—camps, high school and CTE classrooms, career fairs, summer programs, STEM nights, science festivals, and other outreach—because they’re designed to be engaging, easy to browse, and grounded in real-world examples.

Our current titles include:

· Join the Biotech Revolution (with a free interactive Student Workbook PDF)

· Cybersecurity Career Guide (with a free interactive Student Workbook PDF)

· Outsmart Cyberthreats for middle school/intro use

· Engineering Career Guide (with a free interactive Student Workbook PDF)

· Explore Careers in Data Science (with a free interactive Student Workbook PDF)

· AI and Your Career (with a free interactive Student Workbook PDF)

The Biotechnology Career Guide, for example, introduces what biotechnology is and why it matters, explains education pathways (industry credentials/certificates, associate degrees, bachelor’s programs, and beyond), and highlights roles across R&D, biomanufacturing, quality, regulatory, data, and more. The accompanying workbook provides a simple way to reinforce and assess what students learned, with classroom-ready questions and activities that also work well for outreach events.

Our work to create the biotech guide was supported by DoD STEM, and it’s now used by educators and programs across the country (including a custom statewide edition for Oregon).

If you’d like, I can send digital review copies of our materials so you can see what might fit your needs. Just tell me what’s most relevant, and I’ll send the right files.

Integrating tabletop games into the classroom can help provide diverse methodologies to create high-quality, engaging learning environments for Michigan's preK-12 students. The game strategies help build critical thinking and collaboration skills essential to college and career readiness. Most importantly, your students will have fun while learning! REMC has also created "game cards" that include 21st-century skills learned/reinforced, number of players, recommended age, and more. Explore what games are available HERE.

Please join us May 19 -21 at Lake Superior State University for an exciting few days of innovation!

Student teams will be competing in five of Square One’s IVD Challenges; Autonomous, Full

Scale, Mini RC, Drones and V2X. Square One’s “Signature Series” of projects enable elementary through high school students to incorporate innovation and engineering into the design of a wide variety of complex vehicles.

Grant funding from the State of Michigan is available, through the 99h grant program.

Exact competition dates for each program will depend on team counts, and will be announced by Jan 31st, 2026.

If you would like to register a team or learn more about the IVD programs, please visit

www.ivdinfo.org or contact Jason Beatty, Program Director at jason@squareonenetwork.org

Note: Upper Peninsula Underwater IVD teams will compete in Gaylord, as in 2025

• Please enjoy the April Edition of the Instructional Technology Newsletter from REMC 3. This edition includes:

  • Huron Shores Ed Tech Conference Call for Speakers
  • Scanning a QR code without a second device
  • Google Chrome's tab split view
  • Learning Opportunities
  • Summer Book Studies-three great choices!

  Please reach out if you have any questions or would like to borrow materials for your classroom. Have a wonderful April.

April 2026 Newsletter

We hope your spring break was restful and that you’re feeling recharged for the final stretch of the school year. It was wonderful to see so many of you at the MACUL conference last month - be sure to browse our slideshow of conference resources to catch up on any sessions you may have missed.

The American Exchange Project (AEP) is the only fully funded domestic intercultural exchange program in the country. Its purpose is simple and ambitious: to help build a more connected America by giving young people meaningful, shared experiences across lines of difference.

Through AEP, high school seniors participate the summer after graduation in a two-week exchange:

- One week traveling to an American community very different from their own
- One week hosting students from across the country in their home community

The program is free for students, families, and schools. Since launching in 2020, more than 1,500 students have participated, supported by educators who serve as local anchors for the experience.

AEP is expanding for the 2026–27 school year and is actively seeking new partner schools and communities across the country.

If this aligns with your school, district, or someone you know who focuses on student leadership, civic learning, or community connection, I encourage you to connect directly with:

Ryan Kenney
Director of Community Development
American Exchange Project
rkenney@americanexchangeproject.org
www.americanexchangeproject.org

🌲✨ Attention High School Girls! ✨🌲
Do you love the outdoors? Curious about science, nature, leadership, or backpacking?
MSU Extension has an incredible FREE opportunity just for you!

GALS (Girls on Outdoor Adventure for Leadership and Science) is now accepting applications for their 2026 summer program! This is a free, 2-week overnight science and adventure experience based at the Kellogg Biological Station in Hickory Corners, MI.

Go For Launch! program for students who are going into grades 8-12 in the 2026-27 school year! This will be a two day event held on June 16 and 17. Students will work directly with Astronaut Greg H. Johnson as well as former NASA International Space Station Astronaut Instructor and Higher Orbits Founder/CEO Michelle Lucas. Through this experience, students will develop a project and compete to have that project launched to the International Space Station.

Students and families can also go directly to the Event Webpage for information and registration links.

Use this free tool to help you locate STEM grant opportunities available in your community! Funds may be used for a variety of learning activities, including technology, science and engineering kits, and makerspaces - anything that expands STEM education. Grants are supported by federal, state, and local foundations/corporations.

Local Community Foundations offer many grant opportunities for teachers and schools.

Going PRO with Professional Trades Careers in Michigan

Discover how Michigan is Going PRO with professional trades. Find rewarding careers with competitive salaries and less schooling in a variety of emerging industries. Learn how you can get started on a Professional Trades career path today.

launchgoing-pro.com

• ARTS AND COMMUNICATIONS Careers related to the humanities and to the performing, visual, literary and media arts.
• BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT, MARKETING, AND TECHNOLOGY Careers related to all aspects of business including accounting, business administration, finance, information processing, and marketing.
• ENGINEERING/MANUFACTURING AND INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY Careers related to the technologies necessary to design, develop, install, or maintain physical systems.
• HEALTH SCIENCES Careers related to the promotion of health as well as the treatment of injuries, conditions, and disease.
• HUMAN SERVICES Careers in early childhood, civil service, education, hospitality, and the social services.
• NATURAL RESOURCES AND AGRISCIENCE Careers related to natural resources, agriculture, and the environment.