MiSTEM Launches $1.75M STEM Expansion for Education

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Published March 9th, 2026

Detected March 17th, 2026

Summary

The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity's MiSTEM Network has launched a $1.75 million STEM education expansion. This initiative, supported by a $1 million contribution from General Motors, aims to enhance Place-, Project-, and Problem-based (3P) STEM learning across the state, awarding $800,000 to 17 public education agencies.

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What changed

The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) announced the launch of an expanded $1.75 million Playbook Mini Grant program through its MiSTEM Network. The program aims to advance STEM education statewide by supporting Place-, Project-, and Problem-based (3P) learning experiences for students. An initial $800,000 has been awarded to 17 public education agencies, with the remaining funds dedicated to professional learning for educators and refinement of the MiSTEM Playbooks. This expansion is significantly bolstered by a $1 million contribution from General Motors.

This initiative represents a public-private partnership focused on preparing Michigan students for high-demand STEM careers. While this announcement details the launch and initial funding, it does not impose new direct compliance obligations on regulated entities beyond their existing involvement in educational partnerships or workforce development programs. The focus is on enhancing educational pathways and strengthening the future workforce, particularly in underserved areas. Further updates on outcomes and impact are expected from the MiSTEM Network.

Source document (simplified)

MiSTEM Launches $1.75M STEM Expansion to advance STEM education statewide

March 09, 2026

Innovative partnership expands professional learning, playbook refinement and impact

LANSING, MI — The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s (LEO) MiSTEM Network announced the first step in its expanded $1.75 million Playbook Mini Grant program, awarding $800,000 to 17 public education agencies across Michigan. This funding will support the expansion of Place-, Project- and Problem-based (3P) STEM learning, giving students greater access to innovative, hands-on educational experiences that prepare them for high-demand STEM careers.

In addition to direct grant awards, the remaining funds will be used to provide professional learning and hands-on support for participating educators, while testing, refining and strengthening the MiSTEM Playbooks to ensure sustainable, scalable impact across the state.

The expansion is made possible through a $1 million contribution from General Motors, which builds on MiSTEM’s existing $750,000 program and reflects a strong public-private commitment to preparing Michigan students for STEM careers.

“Every student deserves the chance to build strong STEAM foundations early, because these skills open doors to the high growth careers that can shape their future,” said David Massaron, GM Vice President, Corporate Citizenship. “GM's partnership with the MiSTEM Network expands hands on, real world learning experiences that help young people across Michigan see themselves as future engineers, problem solvers and innovators. When we invest in STEAM pathways, we strengthen the future for the communities we call home.”

The shared commitment to advancing STEM opportunities across Michigan is helping to build a stronger, more equitable future for students, educators, and communities statewide.

"By investing in STEM education, Michigan is investing in our future workforce,” said Megan Schrauben, MiSTEM Executive Director. “MiSTEM will continue to provide updates and outcomes of this partnership, as we work together to strengthen STEM education across the state and close talent gaps.”

This funding directly supports the state STEM strategy of 3P Learning aligned with Michigan’s strategic industries. These funds will be used to expand teacher training, student programming and community partnerships, while also helping to diversify access to STEM pathways, especially in underserved and rural areas.

Grantees

Gull Lake Community Schools
Buchanan Community Schools-Buchanan High School
Ypsilanti Community Schools and Lincoln Consolidated Schools
Wayne-Westland Community Schools
Utica Community Schools
Oakland Schools
Kearsley Community Schools
Eaton Regional Educational Service Agency
Kent Intermediate School District
Cadillac Area Public Schools
Bay City Public Schools
Brown City Community Schools
Alcona Community Schools
Charlevoix-Emmet ISD
Engadine Consolidated Schools
North Dickinson County School
Chassell Township Schools This strategic investment strengthens a public-private collaboration among General Motors, the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s MiSTEM Network, Michigan State University, Beyond Consulting and MTEC SmartZone, to build dynamic learning environments that connect students with real-world and in-demand industry experiences. Dr. Stefanie Marshall of Michigan State University’s College of Education is providing overall programmatic oversight, instructional support and mini grant evaluation; Beyond Consulting is providing operational management, data assessments, and technological support; and MTEC SmartZone, a nonprofit innovation hub, is coordinating the administration of these funds in alignment with MiSTEM’s statewide goals.