Two Flint educational institutions have secured a substantial state grant to introduce elementary students to advanced manufacturing careers through a new hands-on learning program.
Sloan Museum of Discovery and Longway Planetarium received $325,000 from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity to launch PowerUp! Workshops, targeting fourth graders in Genesee, Saginaw, and Bay counties, officials said.
The program will teach manufacturing job skills including computer chip production, solar panel development, electrical engineering, and computer programming while emphasizing critical thinking and communication abilities. Hemlock Semiconductor, the only polysilicon manufacturer headquartered in the U.S., is partnering with the museums to provide industry expertise.
“Genesee Intermediate School District and Flint Community Schools have committed to testing some of the program elements before rolling them out to the wider audience,” Todd Slisher, executive director of Sloan Museum and Longway Planetarium, said in a statement. “Hemlock Semiconductor is contributing advisory and staff time so the kids will learn from manufacturing professionals.”
The initiative specifically targets fourth graders because research shows children are highly receptive to STEM learning around ages 9 and 10, officials said. The curriculum aligns with Michigan fourth-grade standards on energy and engineering design.
“Our research indicates that kids are highly receptive to STEM around the ages of 9 or 10, which is why we are developing a comprehensive curriculum that engages this age group,” Slisher said.
Hemlock Semiconductor, based in Saginaw County’s Thomas Township, manufactures polysilicon used in computer chips and solar panels. The company will provide expertise in electricity, circuitry, and engineering roles as part of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s Talent Action Team.
“STEM education is a strategic investment in our region,” AB Ghosh, Corning vice president and general manager of solar and chairman and CEO of Hemlock Semiconductor, said in a statement. “At Hemlock Semiconductor, we’re committed to cultivating the next generation of innovators by supporting hands-on, career-connected learning.”