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May 12, 2025
21st Century Community Learning Centers Program Brings Students From Across the State Together to Engage in Hands-On STEM Learning
LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) and the Michigan 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program brought together students from across the state Saturday to engage in hands-on learning in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). The event was part of Michigan's unique collaboration with NASA that brings real-world engineering design challenges to students in 10 schools, giving them the opportunity to explore innovative solutions with guidance from NASA scientists and engineers.
“As an engineer by training, I know strong STEM experiences prepare students for the high-skilled jobs of the future and lay the foundation for prosperity in our communities,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “We will continue to champion the education and opportunities that help students thrive and drive transformative change for Michigan’s future."
“This is an incredible opportunity for Michigan students as we introduce them to STEM fields at an early age, igniting their curiosity, fueling their imagination, and opening doors to exciting future career opportunities,” said Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, director of MiLEAP. “MiLEAP is committed to partnering with organizations like NASA to strengthen lifelong educational opportunities available to Michiganders so they can achieve their goals and thrive right here in Michigan.”
Nearly 200 middle school students participated in this year’s NASA-STEM Engineering Design Challenge. The culmination of this statewide initiative took place on Saturday, May 10, when students gathered at Michigan State University to present their design solutions. The students also toured the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams, Abrams Planetarium, and visited with NASA scientists and engineers.
Governor Whitmer’s FY26 executive budget recommendation proposes a $50 million investment in competitive Out-of-School Time grants. These funds would further expand access to high-quality programs that support working families and help equip more Michiganders with the academic, social, emotional and real-world skills they need to thrive.
For more information about the Michigan 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program and other Out-of-School Time resources, visit MiLEAP’s Education Partnerships webpage.
About the Michigan 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program:
The Nita M. Lowery 21st Century Community Learning Program (21st CCLC) provides federal funding to create community learning centers that offer academic enrichment during out-of-school time, in particular for students attending high-poverty, low performing schools. These programs support student achievement in core subjects such as reading and math and offer educational services to families strengthened through school partnerships and community collaboration.
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