STEM

STEM Education is getting a boost in Washtenaw County. Earlier this year, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti Community Schools, and Lincoln Consolidated Schools established the Institute for STEM Education, Outreach, and Workforce Development. The Institute will provide STEM-related educational resources to help create greater interest in STEM careers among young students in Washtenaw County. To learn more about what it aims to accomplish, Concentrate Media's Rylee Barnsdale sat down with the Institute's director, Dr. Sibrina Collins.

Today is National Aviation Day, and Eastern Michigan University celebrated early on Friday with its annual Aerospace Day at Willow Run Airport. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert was there and files this report.

Eastern Michigan University engineering students will head to Pennsylvania this week to participate in an off-road vehicle competition. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert has the story.

A new report from the state shows Michigan’s unemployment rate among women bounced back to pre-pandemic levels last year. But, as Colin Jackson reports, it’s not all good news.

These are rather exciting times in the Ypsilanti Community Schools. The state is forgiving the combined debt created when the district merged with the Willow Run Schools. It has received a significant grant to invest in and expand STEAM and STEM programs. And the district will reopen a shuttered school building. WEMU's David Fair discussed these issues and more with district superintendent, Dr. Alena Zachery-Ross.

Throughout the state, educators are looking for engaging ways to prepare students for careers in STEM fields. The Motor City Alliance connects robotics teams throughout Detroit, helping students participate in competitions and learn more about engineering. WEMU’s Taylor Bowie has more.

Toyota has announced a new, major investment in Washtenaw County. WEMU’s Cathy Shafran has details.

In this edition of "On the Ground Ypsi," WEMU's Cathy Shafran and Concentrate Media reporter Rylee Barnsdale take a look at a new concept for youth in Ypsilanti Township. It is called a "makerspace". It is intended to give area youth a purpose and some income at the same time. They discuss the makerspace further with community activist Elisa Guyton, who has been a driving force in this project.

Washtenaw Community College has been awarded another $1.38 million to support students going into the Science, Mathematics, Engineering, and Technical, or STEM fields. We get more from WEMU's Taylor Pinson.

The University of Michigan has become one of the first major engineering universities to offer a robotics major to undergrads. WEMU’s Josh Hakala has more.