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On June 17 and 18, 2025, over 30 teachers and administrators from Ypsilanti Community Schools (YCS), Washtenaw Intermediate School District (WISD), and Lincoln Consolidated Schools (LCS) attended the 2025 Teachers Workshop at Toyota’s Research and Development facility in Saline, MI. This experience was a continuation of a weeklong workshop held in June 2024 as a component of the Toyota Driving Possibilities (DP) Initiative in Michigan, where teachers worked in teams to develop units to create an experiential STEM curriculum for LCS and YCS students.The teachers had the opportunity to continue to work on these units at this year's workshop. Over the course of the two days, attendees heard from DP leadership from all three districts, team leaders at Toyota, and the leadership team of the EMU STEM Ed Institute. Specifically, the teachers had the opportunity to hear from the leaders of the three pillars of the Michigan Driving Possibilities Project: Curriculum, Outreach and Workforce Development. Talks emphasized the importance of Experiential Learning and Career and Technical Education (CTE). During the first day of the workshop, the attendees were welcomed by Dr. Jennifer Banks, director of instruction, WISD; Dr. Carlos Lopez, assistant superintendent, YCS; and Karensa Smith, assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction, LCS. Dr. Sibrina Collins, director of the Institute for STEM Education, Outreach and Workforce Development (known as the EMU STEM Ed Institute) and Dr. Banks led a session with the teachers focused on aligning the units to industry needs. Subsequently, the teachers worked in teams to prepare a creative poster for a gallery walk and presented their ideas.   During the final day of the workshop, Dr. Ryan Rowe, director of CTE, WISD, and Zachary Krauss, assistant director of the EMU STEM Ed Institute, provided an overview of workforce development and STEM awareness for the DP initiative in Michigan. Amy Olmstead, supervisor of instruction, WISD and Dr. Banks led an engaging session with the teachers focused experiential learning, which is an educational process, where students “learn by doing.” Dr. Rowe and the WISD team (Jackson Greenestone, coordinator CTE populations, Marshaun Brooks, coordinator of CTE; Eric S. Jackson, coordinator of CTE, work-based learning) presented the new Michigan Career Development Model (MCDM), as well as new exciting CTE opportunities here in Washtenaw County such as aviation (which will be complemented by drone soccer).  The value of Experiential Learning and multiple career pathways was bolstered by personal stories shared by Toyota employees during the CHASE (Connected, Human-Centric, Automated, Shared-Services, Electrified) Technician Panel. The CHASE panel was moderated by Meg Wallace, Senior Engineer, Toyota. Finally, Lynne Davis,  senior manager for general affairs, Toyota, also provided remarks making key connections to experiential learning and the training and mentoring of Toyota’s CHASE technicians. Thanks to the generous support from the Toyota Foundation, this important work will continue into the summer and beyond with the key goal of providing every student enrolled in LCS and YCS exciting opportunities to have engaging experiences with STEM education.

The Institute for STEM Education, Outreach and Workforce Development at EMU (also known as the EMU STEM Ed Institute) has recently established a literary partnership with the Our Community Reads Program, which is led by community organizer Kallista Marie Walker, who also serves as a member of the Advisory Board for Toyota’s Driving Possibilities initiative. One of the wonderful programs for Our Community Reads is the Topaze Reading Circle Initiative, which provides unique opportunities to bring guest readers into the classroom with elementary school students. Dr. Sibrina Collins, Director, EMU STEM Ed Institute, has participated in the Topaze Reading Circle Initiative and served as a guest reader for  Erickson Elementary (February 28th), Holmes STEAM Elementary (April 3rd ), and Estabrook Elementary (May 2nd ), reaching 116 elementary school students (2nd – 5th grade). “We are thankful to Ms.Walker for inviting us to participate in the Topaze Reading Circle Initiative. If young people develop a love of reading and have a strong foundation in mathematics, they can accomplish anything,” said Collins. The Ypsilanti Community School (YCS) students receive their own copies of STEM-focused books they can take home with them and a snack while reading in the classroom. Books and snacks are generously provided by the Toyota Foundation. The students have enjoyed reading and discussing the books, Let’s Fly: Barrington Irving’s Record Breaking Flight Around the World, and Whoosh! Lonnie Johnson’s Super-Soaking Stream of Inventions. These STEM-focused books provide inspiring stories that truly resonate with young people. “We certainly appreciate the YCS principals and teachers for allowing us to engage with the young scholars in the classroom,” said Collins. The teachers are provided with an opportunity to share anonymous feedback after the guest reader moments. One YCS teacher shared, “It is awesome for our kids to see a person of color in the field of science. More opportunities for our students to see and experience black excellence is inspirational.” Another teacher stated, “We loved having Dr. Sibrina Collins visit our class. The students keep the books they receive in their book bins at school and read them often.” The guest reader moments in YCS elementary schools were a success. The EMU STEM Ed Institute will continue to participate in the Topaze Reading Circle during the 2025-2026 school year to encourage young people to develop a love of reading and get them excited about successful career pathways in STEM.

We recently had the distinct honor of participating in a panel hosted at the Detroit Auto Show, held at Huntington Place in the heart of Downtown Detroit. The event was full of excitement, marking the show's anticipated winter return in January since its last occurrence in 2019. The Auto Show was previously held over the summer in previous years. This milestone created the perfect platform to spotlight our institute’s mission and the transformative role STEM education plays in shaping future generations. The panel, titled "Driving Possibilities STEM Initiative Presented by Toyota", featured our STEM Education Director, Dr. Sibrina Collins, alongside esteemed panelists Teliah Hinton, student, Ypsilanti Community Middle School; Robert Jansen, Superintendent, Lincoln Consolidated Schools (LCS),and Dr. Alena Zachery-Ross, Superintendent, Ypsilanti Community Schools (YCS). The panel was moderated by Jeff Makarewicz, Group Vice President, Technical Resources at Toyota Motor North America Research and Development. Together, they addressed an enthusiastic audience of over 200 attendees, including 70 students from the districts, sharing insights on the intersection of STEM education and the automotive industry. The students were also able to tour the auto show floor. A standout moment of the panel was the inspiring STEM story of Teliah Hinton, who talked about her experiences with Ten80, which is a program where students design, build and race vehicles. Teliah’s involvement in Ten80 exemplifies the growing interest among young students in STEM fields. Her presence not only highlighted the success of hands-on STEM programs but also portrayed the bright future of innovation driven by today’s youth. During the hour panel, Dr. Collins provided an overview of the STEM Ed Institute and priorities, made possible as part of Toyota’s $10 million grant over five years. The Institute's recent accomplishments include: donating over 500 school supplies to students in YCS and LCS, enabling student visits to the planetarium at Eastern Michigan University, and sparking curiosity about space exploration. Additionally, Toyota donated three Sienna Minivans to each district for student transportation needs, ensuring access to educational opportunities. These initiatives are part of our ongoing commitment to empowering students and educators with the tools and resources they need to succeed. The panel also set the stage for what’s to come. Our future goals include expanding STEM outreach to underserved communities. These initiatives aim to inspire the next generation of innovators while addressing the growing demand for STEM professionals. When asked Dr. Collins what it means for the STEM Education Institute to be a part of the collaborative panel at the event she answered: “It was an honor for the STEM Ed Institute to be included in the Driving Possibilities STEM Initiative panel presented by Toyota. Specifically, to be able to talk about our unique partnership and the importance of STEM education with a diverse audience of students, educators and community and business leaders was an amazing experience.” The Detroit Auto Show provided an incredible platform to share our vision, connect with the community, and inspire the future of STEM. We’re already looking forward to continuing this journey and creating new opportunities for students across the region.  

ROMULUS, Michigan – Today, GM Romulus Propulsion Systems presented the latest installment of its Community Impact Grants (CIG) to four nonprofits in the Romulus region. The $40,000 in grants this year target local nonprofits aimed at supporting STEAM education and road safety throughout the community.  Through the CIG program, GM facility leaders select local nonprofits working to address issues facing their community. Representatives of each nonprofit came to Romulus Propulsion Systems today for a roundtable discussion on each program’s grant mission and how GM can continue to collaborate with them to impact the local community. “Our Community Impact Grants directly support local nonprofits that make a real impact in the communities where our teams live and work,” said Rob Morris, plant director at GM Romulus Propulsion Systems. “It’s inspiring to our team to see the results of these grants and the incredible work these nonprofits do in our communities.”   The 2024 GM Romulus nonprofit recipients include:    ·        Big Brothers / Big Sisters of Southeast Michigan ·        EMU Institute for STEM Education, Outreach, and Workforce Development  ·        Washtenaw Community College – Skilled Trades Program ·        Donors Choose (support for local school STEM programs) This year’s $40,000 in grants add to the more than $163,000 that GM has donated to Romulus area nonprofits since 2019. In the 14th year of the CIG program, GM will award more than $3 million to more than 140 nonprofits across its U.S. manufacturing communities. As an organization, GM is committed to investing in the future of American manufacturing, in our workforce and in our communities.   “We appreciate the local partnership and relationships we have to support programs like this as we work together as a community to create a stronger Romulus,” added Morris.  GM Romulus Propulsion Systems employs more than 1,000 team members across three shifts. The plant produces V6 engines and 10-speed transmissions used in a variety of Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac vehicles across GM’s lineup.  About General Motors    General Motors (NYSE:GM) is driving the future of transportation, leveraging advanced technology to build safer, smarter, and lower emission cars, trucks, and SUVs. GM’s Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC brands offer a broad portfolio of innovative gasoline-powered vehicles and the industry’s widest range of EVs, as we move to an all-electric future. Learn more at GM.com.     ###     CONTACT:    Kevin Nadrowski                                             GM Communications 313-498-5464 kevin.1.nadrowski@gm.com   

STEM Night was an overwhelming success, bringing together students, families, and community members from Lincoln Consolidated Schools and Ypsilanti Community Schools! Organized by the STEM Education Institute at Eastern Michigan University (EMU), this event was designed with the hopeful aim of igniting curiosity and enthusiasm for the world of science and technology among young minds. As the hosts, we poured our energy and passion into spreading the message of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), and we accomplished our goal. Collaborating with various organizations—including Lincoln & YHS Robotics, EMUiNVENT, Speech Neurophysiology at the University of Michigan, Toyota and more—we created an engaging atmosphere filled with interactive tables featuring exciting games and open discussions for families. The evening was packed with an array of activities, each designed to entertain and educate. Families were allowed to explore numerous interactive tables where they could participate in hands-on science experiments and play games. For those looking to burn off some energy, a bounce house added an extra layer of fun to the festivities! This vibrant event successfully brought families together, allowing them to express their excitement and curiosity for the world of STEM. Our table featured a variety of prizes and engaging activities. One highlight of the night was our robot programming activity, which captivated students as they learned to program robots with their own creative commands. This hands-on experience not only entertained but also encouraged students to dive deeper into the principles of robotics and technology. To further motivate participation, we offered various prizes throughout the evening, which even had a grand giveaway. At the end of the night, one lucky participant won a robot to take home, marking a memorable finish to an already exciting evening. Students had the opportunity to win this robot by engaging with our table. They followed simple instructions to construct their own STEM Education Institute paper airplane. Once they successfully completed their planes, they were entered into a raffle for the chance to win the grand prize. The excitement was evident when the winner was announced, and she proudly left the event with her very own robot! All in all, STEM Night was more than just a successful event-–it was a celebration of curiosity and creativity in the fields of science and technology. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all attendees and sponsors who contributed to making this event possible. Our mission is to inspire students to develop an interest in STEM, and hosting events like this one is a vital part of that mission.  

Our incredible STEM Education Institute director, Dr. Sibrina Collins, attended the annual conference for the  National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE). According to NOBCChE, their goal is intended to “...build an eminent cadre of successful diverse global leaders in STEM and advance their professional endeavors by adding value to their academic, development, leadership, and philanthropic endeavors throughout the life-cycle of their career.” The organization is responsible for an influx of leadership opportunities such as the conference Dr. Collins attended this past week. The event took place in Orlando, Florida from September 30th, 2024 through October 4th, 2024. At this event, Dr. Sibrina Collins won the 2024 Henry McBay Outstanding Educator Award! The Henry McBay award honors exceptional STEM educators who contribute a significant amount to teaching and mentoring younger scientists. We are honored that our director has been awarded such an inspiring award and has dedicated her time and energy to doing just the same. This is a remarkable achievement highlighting the success and contributions not only from Dr. McBay, but also from Dr. Collins. In honoring Dr. McBay’s legacy, Dr. Collins stated what it was like for her to win this award. As a reflection of her achievement, Dr. Collins expressed, "It is an honor to be the 2024 Henry McBay Outstanding Educator of the Year. Dr. Henry McBay is truly an inspiration and a pioneer in the field of chemistry. He made an incredible impact with research, which later led to the discovery of a protein used to treat prostate cancer.  He mentored several young scientists and engineers. Thus, I am thrilled to be part of Dr. McBay's amazing legacy in STEM education and impact K-12 education." Dr. Collins has made significant contributions during the most recent academic year at Eastern Michigan University. Her ability to swiftly adapt to her new role has been impressive and widely recognized. She has actively participated in numerous events organized by the STEM Education Institute, demonstrating her commitment to fostering the next generation of leaders and scientists. Dr. Collins has taken a proactive approach at the institute, and her vision for its future is clear. Her contributions have greatly enriched our team, and we are beyond proud to have her as part of our community. As she continues to inspire the next generation of scientists, Dr. Collins’s leadership at the STEM Education Institute promises to drive innovation and inclusivity in education.

Our most recent event took place at Bishop Elementary School, marking the celebration of the start of their 100th school year. This year, the theme revolved around the penny, and our team embraced it wholeheartedly. Drawing inspiration from all things Lincoln, we crafted a unique educational experience that connected students to this cherished coin. As representatives of the STEM Education Institute, we faced the exciting challenge of integrating STEM education surrounding the theme of a penny. Our goal was to create an engaging learning opportunity that would also capture the students' imaginations while intaking valuable scientific concepts. What better way to spark curiosity than through the fascinating world of magnets? At our booth, we featured an interactive educational game that invited students to explore the properties of magnets in relation to pennies. The activity involved sorting between real pennies and fake pennies that were actually magnets. As students participated, they discovered a fun scientific fact: real pennies, composed primarily of copper, do not stick to magnets. This hands-on experience not only gathered their understanding of magnetism but also encouraged critical thinking as they engaged in sorting and reasoning. When students needed a break from magnets, they visited our neighboring table to learn from Toyota representatives how to build a battery out of pennies! The response to our game was overwhelmingly positive! Students eagerly gathered at our table, drawn in by the challenge and the fun. Our dedicated team was thrilled to host the activity, sharing insights about magnetic fields while ensuring that every participant enjoyed themselves. Overall, the event was more than a success! We left the elementary school with smiles on our faces, knowing that we sparked a sense of wonder and curiosity about science in the scientists of the future we met. We are grateful for the opportunity to connect with the local schools and community. We look forward to future events where we can continue to inspire and educate students in creative and enjoyable ways!  

Lincoln Community Schools recently celebrated its 100th year with ‘Splitterpalooza’. The back-to-school event, which was held on August 15th, 2024, brought the community together for a day filled with joy and companionship at the Lincoln Athletic Building and its surrounding area. Inside the Lincoln Athletic Building, attendees were able to enjoy a variety of activities, including bounce houses, community tables, and an assortment of engaging educational games. Outside of the venue, the festivities continued with an arrangement of food trucks offering delicious treats, a sensory trailer for inclusive fun, and many other delightful activities. District administration expressed their gratitude for all of thelocal businesses, organizations, and community members that made the event a success.  The EMU Institute for STEM Education, Outreach, and Workforce Development shared information about the plans for the institute, powered by Toyota’s Driving Possibilities Project. Additionally, institute leadership gave students the chance to use a remote-controlled robot to score soccer goals. Institute Assistant Director, Zach Krauss, said, “Seeing students quickly master the controls of the robot to score a goal was impressive. Moreover, seeing students and families excited about the breadth of STEM tables at the event was inspiring and reinforced our excitement to be part of the Lincoln community.". Splitterpalooza was a fantastic way to kick off the district’s 100th year, bringing together fun, community spirit, and a touch of technological wonder. It was a day to remember and set the stage for a remarkable and STEM-full year ahead. Author: Josh Alarcon

YPSILANTI (July 17, 2024) — Eastern Michigan University recently named Sibrina Collins director of the Institute for STEM Education, Outreach, and Workforce Development in the College of Education. In her role, Collins will closely collaborate with Lincoln Consolidated Schools and Ypsilanti Community Schools to help prepare youth for in-demand science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) careers.

YPSILANTI (June 8, 2023) – To keep up with the growing popularity of STEM occupations, Eastern Michigan University was selected by Toyota’s Driving Possibilities initiative to collaborate with Lincoln Consolidated and Ypsilanti Community Schools, both part of the Washtenaw Intermediate School District, on an initiative to prepare youth for in-demand science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) careers.