As education faces new challenges from technology and an ever-changing labor market, the need for public-private partnership in education is as important as ever. Local governments and business organizations everywhere are realizing this need, and building partnerships and advocacy groups to help make these necessary connections.

The state of Michigan has long relied on public-private partnerships to prepare students for jobs of the future, and it has adjusted its work to include STEM, STEAM, and workforce development. One such example is its STEAM Ahead program launched in 2021. Spearheaded by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), STEAM Ahead creates hands-on career experiences for students interested in STEAM-related positions. More than 150 companies are participating organizations and include companies of all sizes from Magna to Nexteer to Collins Engineers. Since launching in 2021, the program has placed 1,700 interns, and has a focus on key economic drivers for Michigan through the next decade, including EV & mobility, semiconductors, life sciences and devices, clean energy, defense & aerospace and advanced manufacturing. 

Spencer Lucker, Director of Strategic Talent Initiatives at the MEDC, shares how this partnership is identifying and fulfilling job needs before they are realized, and amplifying success stories of school-business partnerships.

One such example is the EV/Mobility Digital Curriculum that is bringing industry, higher ed and PK12 partners together to identify curricular gaps and create content that supports career pathways connections at Elementary and Middle School levels (cdc.engin.umich.edu/electric-vehicle-mobility-curriculum-description/) 

Connect with Spencer & the MEDC:

• MEDC Website: michiganbusiness.org
• MEDC's STEAM Ahead Program: michiganbusiness.org/steam-ahead/
• MEDC's PK-12 STEM Grants: michiganbusiness.org/talent-action-team/pk12-stem-grants/ 
• Michigan's MiSTEM Network: michigan.gov/leo/boards-comms-councils/mistem
• Spencer's LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/spencerflucker/

Chris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast... Connect with him:

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