MiSTEM celebrates FIRST Robotics grand opening in Ludington

Regional partners remove barriers, expand access with practice center for robotics teams

LUDINGTON, MI — The MiSTEM Network team in Region 9 – West Central Michigan – today celebrates the grand opening of a new robotics practice facility to increase equity and accessibility for FIRST Robotics teams in the region. The collaboration between local and regional partners demonstrates the network’s commitment to cultivating a vibrant STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) ecosystem in Michigan. 

“Local and regional partners, educators and coaches play an integral role in increasing access to hands-on learning opportunities for students,” said Megan Schrauben, MiSTEM Network Executive Director. “This strategic partnership is a possibility model for robust efforts that support and empower students. The MiSTEM Network is committed to collaborations across Michigan that boost the STEM ecosystem in our state.”

This responsive learning environment for local robotics teams is made possible by a public-private partnership among the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s MiSTEM Network, UACJ Automotive Industries, FIRST Robotics, Community Foundation for Mason County, House of Flavors Manufacturing, West Shore ESD, Summit Tech Center, Carter Lumber, Hawarth, West Shore Bank, GEMS team 4362, Cooper's Flooring and Ferris State University. 

MiSTEM Region 9 director Brian Dotson, who led this collaborative effort in Luddington, also played an integral role in bringing the first facility of this nature to the region last year. While connecting with area coaches and district administrators, Dotson identified that many FIRST Robotics teams in the region did not have access to a full competition field necessary for the engineering process to test and revise. 

While there were some practice fields outside the region, many of them require a fee to use them during limited hours. Dotson compared this barrier to a basketball team not being able to step foot onto a court until game day.

“Since launching the first facility in Big Rapids, we have seen students from across the region use hands-on experiences with robotics to expand their world,” said Dotson. “Being able to practice adequately at our facilities before a competition is invaluable and extends far beyond FIRST Robotics. High quality, accessible opportunities that remove barriers prepares students for successful careers.”  

The grand opening of the UACJ Whitehall Industries FIRST Robotics Practice Facility took place during the MiSTEM fall quarterly meeting, where members of the MiSTEM Network gathered to collaborate on shared goals to advance STEM education across the state. The facility is the second in the region and officially opened on Tuesday, Sept. 30 in front of community partners, donors and MiSTEM staff, Advisory Councilmembers and local robotics teams.  

"UACJ’s investment in the FIRST Robotics Practice Facility reflects our deep commitment to empowering the next generation of skilled technicians and engineers,” said UACJ Automotive Whitehall Industries President Mike Wegener. “By supporting hands-on STEM education, we’re helping students develop critical thinking, teamwork and problem-solving skills that are essential for the future of UACJ and the manufacturing industry." 

According to a local FIRST Robotics coach, “this facility is perfect to continue developing STEM opportunities for area students as they become our skilled industry leaders.” 

One robotics student expressed gratitude for the new facility: “Thank you, thank you, thank you!! This was such a fantastic resource for teams like mine that can't afford to create or purchase game elements for our own use.” 

“FIRST robotics equips students with the essential skills needed for success in our ever-evolving industries,” said Ludington High School O-Bots Coach Karen Shineldecker. “FIRST partners with businesses, mentors, coaches and leaders in the industry to empower these programs. UACJ Whitehall Industries has embraced this mission by providing this regional practice field along with supporting internships for our FIRST Robotics Competition alumni. We can’t thank them enough.” 

This facility and collaboration directly support the state STEM strategy of place-, problem- and project-based learning aligned with Michigan’s strategic industries. MiSTEM Region 9 is comprised of eight counties in four ISDs in Michigan’s west central lower peninsula, including: Lake, Manistee, Mason, Mecosta, Missaukee, Oceana, Osceola and Wexford. Their work supports STEM education and PK-12 students at Manistee ISD, Mecosta-Osceola ISD, West Shore ESD and Wexford-Missaukee ISD. 

Get Involved 

Local businesses and organizations can make a real difference for students across the state with partnerships just like this, which prepare students for rewarding STEM careers. Those interested in contributing to the meaningful work to advance STEM education and culture in the region may contact your local MiSTEM regional director to get started.