HANCOCK, Mich. (June 21, 2023) — The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s MiSTEM Network has awarded Hancock Public Schools $18,000 to partner with Calumet Electronics and Michigan Technological University to develop and enhance STEM curriculum in K-12 schools. The goal of the initiative is to prepare students for career opportunities with local manufacturers, cultivating a workforce pipeline to support community growth.
“We will develop K-12, grade-by-grade, project-based learning experiences,” said Hancock Superintendent Steve Patchin. “These experiences will introduce students to the technologies involved in creating, producing, and programming printed circuit boards and computer chips. We believe this education/corporate team will lay the foundation for this curriculum to support the growth of local industry, while also helping support national defense initiatives centered around the high-tech industry, in which Calumet Electronics is a rising star.”
The district will leverage their ongoing partnership with Calumet and forge a new connection with Michigan Technological University to develop the curriculum.
“We are thrilled about the potential of this grant, and envision a model program that can prepare our workforce for advanced manufacturing and ensure a future of strong national defense and economic prosperity,” said Meredith LaBeau, Chief Technology Officer at Calumet Electronics. LaBeau said that by introducing students of all ages to these concepts, Calumet Electronics can equip them with tools to become a generation of creative problem solvers.
“We must look to the future for talent that can manufacture the next generation of circuit boards at Calumet Electronics,” said LaBeau. “This program will inspire young minds with advanced manufacturing concepts to light a spark that will ignite their future.”
Thirteen Michigan K-12 institutions and organizations received grants totaling $237,640 as part of an ongoing effort to create and bolster educational opportunities in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) in communities throughout the state. Hancock Public Schools and Adams Township Schools were the only Upper Peninsula grant recipients.
Read the full story about the grant on the Mining Gazette website
