The state of Michigan is giving thousands of dollars in grants to 16 schools across the state to develop science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) projects that instruct students about the importance of Michigan’s Great Lakes and freshwater resources.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced the $205,028 grant in an effort to get kids excited about careers in STEM, according to a news release from the governor’s office. Kent, Washtenaw, Kalamazoo, Wayne, and Muskegon are just some of the counties receiving this grant.
“Our Great Lakes are our greatest asset, and we must empower young Michiganders to learn more about them and continue advancing conservation efforts,” Whitmer said in a statement. “Michigan’s economic competitiveness depends on a workforce proficient in STEM and committed to solving our biggest challenges. Investments like these will help prepare our kids to lead our state into the future.”
The plan was revealed during Michigan’s Great Lakes and Fresh Water Week, a week-long effort in June that helps raise awareness about the state’s lakes, rivers, streams and groundwater.
Michigan is home to more than 3,200 miles of coastline along four Great Lakes, 11,000 inland lakes and ponds, and 36,000 miles of rivers and streams.
The grant funding was created by the governor’s office in collaboration with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) and the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. EGLE director, Liesle Clark, said the funding is an investment into the state’s future leadership.
“These innovative educational programs and experiences will shape tomorrow’s advocates, policymakers and champions who will value and safeguard Michigan’s waterways and watersheds,” Clark said in a statement.
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