Exciting New STEM Center on the Horizon in Southfield!
Southfield is buzzing with excitement as Lawrence Technological University (LTU) has just been awarded a generous $225,000 grant from the PNC Foundation! This funding is set to pave the way for a fantastic new venture—the development of a STEM Motorsport and Mobility Center. This center aims to spark enthusiasm among the youth in the community for engineering careers by immersing them in the thrilling world of motorsports and mobility.
Diving Deep into STEM Education
The new center will be collaborating with a host of partners, including Blue Devil Motorsports and the Marburger STEM Center, alongside various industry partners from the automotive and mobility sectors. This collaboration promises to integrate LTU’s robust applied science and engineering curriculum, focusing on project-based learning and offering students hands-on experience through course-based research. Students from middle and high schools within the Detroit Public Schools Community District, along with those in surrounding areas, will have a fantastic opportunity to explore the possibilities awaiting them in engineering.
The program is scheduled to run from May 2024 to May 2025, and it couldn’t come at a better time. With the automotive and mobility industries constantly evolving, this initiative aims to boost awareness among local students about the exciting career pathways in these fields. “We are grateful to PNC for expanding its relationship with LTU and supporting advancing collaborative pathways,” said Theresa Lindsey, executive director of K-12 partnerships and outreach at LTU. She emphasized how essential it is to foster innovative hands-on learning experiences for young minds.
Opening Doors for Future Engineers
The regional president of PNC for Detroit and Southeast Michigan, Michael Bickers, shared the vision behind this initiative. “The LTU STEM Motorsport and Mobility Center will inspire Detroit Public Schools Community District students to consider engineering and motorsports careers that may have previously seemed out of reach,” he stated with enthusiasm. This sentiment reflects a larger goal of the program: to prepare students academically for post-secondary STEM education while revealing that big dreams are entirely achievable!
A Steady Support System
With the grant, LTU will receive funding allocated over three years—starting with $50,000 in the first year, increasing to $75,000 in the second year, and culminating with $100,000 in the third year. This money will help establish some super exciting features like a motorsports simulation lab, drone and robotics workstations, and various other experiential learning setups. It is an incredible opportunity for students to get practical experience that matches modern industry demands.
A Phased Approach to Success
The development of this innovative program will go through four carefully planned phases to ensure effectiveness. During the first phase, educators will assess the specific needs and skill levels of participating students. The second phase will involve evaluating the mastery of subjects at the end of each course, ensuring that students grasp the materials thoroughly.
Then it’s on to phase three, where participants will fill out a final evaluation questionnaire. This is crucial as it will help measure the impact the program has had on their academic performance and mindset toward STEM fields. Finally, the fourth phase will wrap things up with a comprehensive report to share findings with instructors and stakeholders.
Community Engagement Awaits!
LTU boasts a vibrant campus sprawled across 107 acres, complete with over 60 student organizations and NAIA varsity sports, making it a hub of activity and engagement. As this exciting initiative kicks off, the Southfield community can anticipate a wave of inspiration and new opportunities for their young students interested in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
For those interested in staying updated on the development of the STEM Motorsport and Mobility Center, keep an eye on LTU’s announcements—it’s sure to be a thrilling ride!
