Northeast MiSTEM Updates
October 2025
Out-of-School Time Grant 2025-26
The MiLEAP-OST Team is pleased to announce the 2025-26 Out-of-School Time Grant Program for this fiscal year. Please see the attached document for the grant announcement that includes information regarding the grant priority points, application, and orientation webinar scheduled for Monday, October 13, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. with additional sessions scheduled the same week. The initial session will be recorded and posted on our website in the event that you or someone from your organization is unable to attend, followed by a series of technical assistance sessions for GEMs access and grant questions.
Following links:
Michigan Public Act (P.A.) 15 of 2025, Section 32n
2025-26 32n OST Intent to Apply Link
2025-26 32n OST Grant Orientation Webinar
2025-26 32n OST Grant - TA Session: GEMS Access and Grant Information
The program office staff will assist potential applicants in getting access to the MiLEAP grant system.
- 2025-26 OST Grant Orientation Webinar, please click here to register:
- 2025-26 32n OST Grant Orientation Webinar (choose one)
- Monday, October 13, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.
- Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at 1:30 p.m.
- Thursday, October 16, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.
- Technical Assistance sessions on Grant Electronic Monitoring System (GEMS) access, please click here to register:
- Monday, October 13, 2025, at 1:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.
- Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at 1:30 p.m.
- Thursday, October 16, 2025, at 1:30 p.m.
Any questions about this grant announce can be directed to the MiLEAP-OST Team at MiLEAP-OST@Michiga.gov.
Statewide Place-Based Education Programs for K-12 Educators in Michigan
Upcoming Opportunities:
Fall 2025 Place-Based Education Institute
This no-cost institute is an opportunity for K-12 teachers newer to place-based education to explore GLSI’s PBE model, and learn how to connect classroom learning with the world beyond the school walls. Participants will explore how to connect learning objectives to local places and real-world issues, and discover how PBE naturally supports district priorities such as student engagement, achievement, and equity. Teachers will leave with ready-to-use strategies, resources, and a supportive network to launch their own PBE teaching and student learning efforts. Don’t delay - begins October 2nd.
Advanced PBSE Teacher Fellowship (2025-26)
This year-long fellowship supports experienced place-based teachers in taking their practice to the next level. Fellows will strengthen their leadership skills, design ambitious and impactful student projects, and receive personalized coaching throughout the year. Through collaboration with peers across Michigan, participants will refine strategies for cultivating student voice, building strong community partnerships, and aligning PBE with school and district priorities.
National Place-Based Education Conference
GLSI is excited to convene the 9th National Place-Based Education Conference this November 12-14 at Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti. With 200+ presenters from 35+ states and 4 countries, this conference gathers the best of place-based and 3P teaching, research, community partnerships, and innovation in education from across the U.S. and beyond for 3 days of immersive learning and authentic network building. From immersion learning experiences across Southeast Michigan, to a wide variety of traditional and experiential presentations and workshops, to an evening of celebration in honor of the best in place-based education, we are so proud to organize this special gathering and have its home here in Michigan!
We have scholarship opportunities for the conference available! Learn more and apply here. Reach out to conference@greatlakesstewardship.org if there is any way we can support you in coming to the conference!
NGSx - Oceans
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
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.
Hour of AI
The Hour of AI is a bold new initiative to demystify AI for 25 million students,
educators, and families by inviting them to engage in hands-on learning
experiences that change them from passive consumers of AI to confident creators.
We invite you to be part of this transformational movement.
Actions Items:
Together, we can help students see how AI connects to their futures.
Michigan Cyber Summit
Cyber-attacks have increased dramatically in recent years. The 3rd Annual Michigan High School Cyber Summit provides an opportunity for young people to learn about the latest efforts to defend against cyber criminals in both the public and private sectors. This event also creates an opportunity to showcase the variety of career opportunities available in cybersecurity and outline the path to secure those jobs.
Math Recovery
Available workshops can be found here: https://www.mathrecovery.org/professional-development/workshops
Place-based Education Conference
2025 National PBE Conference
November 12–14, 2025
Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI
3P Learning Academy for CTE Teachers
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.
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.
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:
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
