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Northeast MiSTEM Updates

November 2025

Northeast MiSTEMUpdatesNovember 2025
UPDATES                                                                                                                                                                                         September 2025
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MISTEM NEWS MISTEM NEWS

MiSTEM 2025 Playbook Mini Grant Program

MiSTEM is reimagining STEM education using transdisciplinary approaches to create a STEM culture, empower instructors, integrate communities and learning spaces, and ensure high-quality STEM experiences for students.


The MiSTEM Network will award up to $800,000 in mini grants to boost STEM education and career exposure for students:

  • Awards are up to $50,000 per grantee.

  • Any eligible agency working with youth will be able to apply for grants.

  • The award period is February 2026 – December 31, 2027


An important focus of this grant program is planning to implement 3P learning. Learn more about 3P (Place-, Project-, and/or Problem-based) Learning in Michigan.


Who Should Apply

Michigan ISDs, RESAs, LEAs, and MiSTEM Fiscal Agencies are all welcome to apply. Tribes and tribal community organizations may apply with an identified eligible fiduciary (ISD, RESA, LEA, or MiSTEM Fiscal Agency). Projects must have approval from both:

  1. Your Agency/Organization’s Authorized Representative (e.g., Central Office Administrator, Superintendent, Sponsored Programs representative)

  2. Your MiSTEM Regional Director


Timeline

  • Technical Assistance Webinar 1 – December 3, 2025 @ 7 PM (Register)

  • Technical Assistance Webinar 2 – December 18, 2025 @ 4:30 PM (Register)

  • Grant applications due by 5 pm on Friday, January 9, 2026

  • Notice of award to successful applicants by February 6, 2026

  • Grant Virtual Kick-off Workshop (date TBD)

  • Virtual 3P pedagogy professional learning (PL)


Resources

  • Call for Grant Proposals

  • Grant Application (online)

November is Family Engagement Month


November is Family Engagement Month

Family engagement is “a partnership among families, students, educators and community partners built on trust, respect and common goals, so that every learner thrives." Family engagement is not a goal, but a strategy to increase whatever outcomes we are trying to achieve through trusting, productive, and purposeful partnerships.


If we believe that everyone wins when we work together—and that we need everyone's expertise and strengths in order for students to grow and thrive—then we can build the mindset, skills, tools, and connections that increase our capacity to positively impact outcomes through partnerships.


Michigan's Region IV MiFamily Engagement Center supports 12 counties across West Michigan through 35i grant funding. The Center provides training, consultation, communication and resources to support systems-level change and capacity building for families, schools and communities to work together so all children experience success. The Center also convenes and collaborates across age spans, educational services, and community partners to align work and share resources for collective impact and sustainability. Check out these resources from the Region IV Center Coordinator, Angela Brigham:

  • MiFamily Engagement Framework: Provides foundational principles to support home-school-community partnerships in Michigan

  • Region 4 Newsletter: Gives an idea of what we're up to in Region 4 and how to get involved

  • Region 4 One Pager: This gives an overview of statewide and regional MiFamily Engagement

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Michigan Farm to School and Early Care Network

Michigan Farm to School and Early Care Network


All stakeholders involved in Farm to School and Farm to Early Care and Education (ECE) across Michigan are invited to join an information session on Thursday, November 20 from 1:00 - 2:00 pm to discuss key findings and recommendations about the development of the Michigan Farm to School and Early Care Network. After years of supporting shared goals, the Michigan State University Center for Regional Food Systems is looking to co-create a shared network, uplifting our state’s farm to school and early care work.


The goal of this educational event is to build the core foundation for the future Michigan Farm to School and Early Care Network with the voices of engaged participants and providers across the state. After a brief presentation with Q&A, the facilitators will ask Farm to School and Farm to ECE stakeholders to share their feedback which will be used to guide their collective next steps.


WHEN: November 20th, 2025, 1:00 pm

Register here.


The information session will also include information on the newly released Lake Michigan School Food System Innovation Hub Grants as well as information on educational advocacy to re-establish our state's beloved "10 Cents a Meal for Michigan's Kid and Farm" program.


If you can’t attend, share your ideas and perspective now by filling out the community survey. Your feedback is vital to shaping the future of the Michigan Farm to School and Early Care Network!


You can also register to attend the follow-up Listening & Feedback Follow-Up Session on December 16th at 1:00 pm where you will hear results of the community survey and discuss next steps.


The Center for Regional Food Systems publishes both Farm to School and Farm to Early Care Education (ECE) newsletters. The communications are monthly and each has a listserv associated with them to allow for member connection:

  • Subscribe to the Michigan Farm to School newsletter

  • Subscribe to the Farm to Early Care Education (ECE) newsletter

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HOUR OF AI

The Hour of AI offers ready-to-use classroom activities from Code.org that help students see how AI systems make decisions, where bias can appear, and how humans shape the outcomes. No prior AI or computer science experience is required — any educator can participate.


Get started today:

  1. Visit csforall.org/hour-of-ai/how-to/k-12educator to explore quick-start guides and classroom resources. Watch the informational session webinar that was held on Nov 13.

  2. Choose an activity and schedule your Hour of AI during CSEdWeek.

  3. Register your event! Michigan classrooms are eligible to receive a swag kit and information about AI in education (while supplies last) — [Register Today!].


This campaign is proudly shared by the MiSTEM Network, Michigan Department of Education, MACUL, Michigan Virtual, REMC Association of Michigan, Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Opportunity, MASSP, and Michigan Chapter of CSTA working together to empower every learner to understand and shape the technology that shapes their lives.


Register Now!

Science Science

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NGSx - Oceans

For educators who have completed Virtual Becoming a Next-Gen Science Teacher (V-BNGST) Dive into a new STEM-focused learning pathway with Oceans, Climate Science, and Big Data (OCSBD).
Register Here
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Michigan Agriculture in the Classroom FARM Science Programs

Michigan Agriculture in the Classroom is currently accepting reservations for the 25-26 school year for their

SAVE THE DATE! Sinkhole Science: Engaging Place & Problem Based

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.

Computer Science Computer Science

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Code.org CS Fundamentals Workshops (K-5) New Series Available - Register Today!

The CSforMichigan Collaborative is offering Code.org CS Fundamentals (K-5) virtual workshops at no cost for Michigan educators. CS Fundamentals workshops are provided through MiSTEM Advisory Council grants. Register today to gain access to high quality computer science professional learning. No computer science experience is required to attend.

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

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.

New Series: CS Connections: (Kdg-5)

The CS Connections Online workshops is a four-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: Curriculum guide, SCECH and $150 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 Fundamentals can be used as an avenue for getting CS to all students.
  • What CS Fundamentals courses look like (lesson plans, online activities, unplugged activities).
  • Which courses and lessons of CS Fundamentals are most appropriate for their students.

At the end of the workshop, teachers will have:

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

SCECHs & Stipends

Participants will receive SCECHs at no cost along with a $150 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.

Learn More

MATH MATH

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Math Recovery

Available workshops can be found here: https://www.mathrecovery.org/professional-development/workshops

Problem-Place-Project Based Learning Opportunities Problem-Place-Project Based Learning Opportunities

3-P Learning Support for Teachers

Learn about 3-Р

Learn how 3-P engages students in authentic and rigorous learning, improves engagement and motivation, and increases achievement.

Build your own 3-P unit with support from our facilitators and collaboration with other educators

Fully Supported

Collaborate with fellow participants during live sessions.

Meet with our expert facilitators for targeted feedback and reflection.

Contact our facilitators any time for additional support!


Entirely Virtual

Synchronous & Asynchronous

Fully Funded + Stipend

Live Webinar Schedule

Monday, 2/2/26 @ 4:00-5:30pm EST

Monday, 2/16/26 @ 4:00-5:30pm EST

Monday, 3/2/26 @ 4:00-5:30pm EST

Monday, 3/16/26 @ 4:00-5:30pm EDT

Interested?
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uaeDqwyi4cpi1OF0DUrjAVZqxAD-TwtB/view?usp=sharing
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3P Learning Academy for CTE Teachers

Learn about 3-P

Learn how 3-P engages students in authentic and rigorous learning, improves engagement and motivation, and increases achievement.

Build your own 3-P unit with support from our facilitators and collaboration with other educators Become an Expert

Learn how to facilitate exceptional 3- PL in your school.

Receive support and feedback, collaborate with colleagues, and leave with a plan.


REMC 3 REMC 3

November Edition of the Instructional Technology Newsletter

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

  • REMC 3 Classroom Feature-Kindergarten Podcast!
  • AI Collective for Educators
  • Gratitude Awareness Month
  • MACUL Scholarship winners
  • Middle School Science teacher interested in hydroponics? (pg. 3-Nov. 17th deadline)
  • Learning Opportunities

September edition of the Instructional Technology Newsletter

REMC 6 All things Science and Technology! REMC 6 All things Science and Technology!

REMC 6

Hello November!


November is here, bringing new opportunities to learn, create, and celebrate innovation! As we enter this season of gratitude, we’re especially thankful for the educators, support staff, and students who make learning meaningful every day. This month’s newsletter highlights resources and events designed to inspire curiosity—from hands-on STEM exploration to professional learning that empowers educators and support staff. Take a moment to explore what’s happening and discover tools to spark engagement in YOUR classroom!


November Science and Tech Newsletter

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MACUL Scholarships available!

REMC of Michigan is sponsoring 3 educators from our region to attend the MACUL Conference in Grand Rapids March 18-20, 2026! To apply for one of these scholarships, please complete this form no later than October 21, 2025. Each scholarship includes registration for the conference, as well as a two-night hotel stay. Meals, mileage and substitute expenses are NOT included in this scholarship. Recipients are responsible for discussing this opportunity with their school administration and securing substitutes, as needed. Scholarship recipients will be notified no later than Nov 7, 2025.

Apply Here

STEM Resources STEM Resources

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Learning Blade

September Learning Blade Corner

School’s Back, Make It Count!

With school back in session, now is the perfect time to

put Learning Blade into action!

Ways to Use Learning Blade:

● Whole-class lessons using interactive missions

to introduce STEM, CS, and CTE careers.

● Independent student work for self-paced

exploration and skill-building.

● Career exploration days with activities tied to

career clusters and real-world problems.

● Cross-curricular projects that connect academic standards to career pathways.

● After-school or enrichment programs to extend learning beyond the school day.


With 500+ online student lessons and ready-to-use teacher plans, Learning Blade makes it simple to

blend career-connected learning with your curriculum—right from the start of the school year.

Sign up for your FREE account:

www.LearningBlade.com/States

Schedule a demo to get expert tips and support for implementing Learning Blade in your school or

classroom:

Schedule Here


Social:

School is back in session—now’s the perfect time to bring career

exploration to life!

Learning Blade helps grades 5–9 explore STEM, Computer Science,

and CTE careers with:

✅ Whole-class lessons

✅ Independent student work


✅ Career exploration days

✅ Cross-curricular projects

✅ After-school programs

With 500+ interactive lessons and ready-to-use teacher plans, Learning Blade makes it easy to connect

learning to real-world careers from day one.

Sign Up Free: LearningBlade.com/States

Schedule a Demo: https://calendly.com/d/3xc-4s3-99n

Grant Opportunities Grant Opportunities

STEM Grant and Funding Finder

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.

Don't forget your Local Community Foundations!

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

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NEMiSTEM Region 12 Website
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Career Resources Career Resources

Michigan Hot 50 Job Outlook through 2028
Michigan's Career Outlook Through 2028

GOING PRO-Professional Trades

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

Career Zones Career Zones

Career Zones

  • 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.

Michigan Career Pathfinder

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My Next Move

Streamlined career search and discovery for students and job seekers. Includes a built-in interest assessment and access to training, education, and job opportunities. Straightforward, easy-to-read one-page career reports help guide individuals' next move on their road to a satisfying career.

launch mynextmove.org

Browse by Career Cluster

O*NET OnLine provides detailed descriptions of the world-of-work for use by job seekers, workforce development and HR professionals, students, developers, researchers, and more. Individuals can find, search, or browse across 900+ occupations based on their goals and needs. Comprehensive reports include occupation requirements, worker characteristics, and available training, education, and job opportunities.

launch onetonline.org
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