Hemlock Public School District (HPSD) today highlighted its expanding network of community partnerships—spanning advanced manufacturing, local business, and higher education—as a cornerstone of student success and regional vitality. From hands-on STEM to early college credit and career exploration, these alliances connect Huskies with the people and places shaping the Great Lakes Bay Region’s future.
“At HPSD we are always striving to enhance existing partnerships while also creating new ones with an emphasis on opening doors and creating opportunities for our kids,” said Board President Matt Wesener.
Partners That Make a Real Difference
Hemlock Semiconductor (HSC) – The nation’s leading producer of hyper-pure polysilicon for electronics and solar, HSC anchors a growing regional semiconductor ecosystem and is investing to expand U.S. capacity. Its role in chips and clean energy has drawn state and federal attention, underscoring the relevance of STEM pathways for K-12 students in Hemlock. (hscpoly.com)
DuPont – With operations in the Midland/Hemlock area—including a Healthcare Industries Materials Site in Hemlock—DuPont’s advanced materials work (electronics, water & protection) provides authentic context for classroom learning and career awareness. Recent announcements detail continued regional investment in specialty electronics capabilities. (Saginaw Chamber)
KEEL Technologies (KEEL Holdings) – A defense and advanced-manufacturing leader with nearby facilities (Merrill/Alma) investing in new machining centers and workforce training. KEEL’s presence complements HPSD’s hands-on engineering experiences and project-based learning. (Keel)
Hemlock Business Association (HBA) – A local catalyst that intentionally connects businesses, civic leaders, and the school district to promote growth and opportunity in Hemlock. (Hemlock Business Association)
Delta College – A dual-enrollment powerhouse in our region. Last year alone, Delta reports over 1,900 high school students earned 18,999 college credits, offering Hemlock families strong on-ramps to college momentum and affordability, through our Early Middle College program. (Delta College)
Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU) – Through outreach like the Cardinal Partnership Program and the College of Education, SVSU builds K-12 bridges (campus visits, pathways, PD) so students can see themselves in college and careers right here in the Great Lakes Bay Region. (Saginaw Valley State University)
These relationships show up daily—in classroom visits, career talks, facility tours, and collaborative events—and in marquee moments such as HPSD’s KEEL Innovation Center expansion at the Lockwood STEM Center earlier this year, which added advanced labs for engineering, coding, and design. (Midland Daily News)
Why This Matters Now
Regional partners are actively investing in talent and technology—creating authentic learning contexts for students:
Federal and private investment is elevating Michigan’s semiconductor supply chain, with HSC positioned as a key U.S. polysilicon producer for chips.
Manufacturers are expanding capacity and workforce pathways (e.g., KEEL’s $34.5M Michigan investments; DuPont’s specialty electronic materials expansion), strengthening local opportunity pipelines. (Keel)
Regional partners and the MEDC recently launched an initiative to bring advanced manufacturing and semiconductor-focused STEM experiences to as many as 10,000 PreK-12 students across eight counties in 2025–26. (Midland Daily News)
“Hemlock is proof that small towns can be launchpads,” said Superintendent Don Killingbeck. “When students tour a plant, meet engineers, try a coding challenge, or earn college credit in high school, they start to picture their future here. Our partners help us turn academic standards into lived experiences—and that’s how we #PullTheSled together.”
What Families and Students Will See
More real-world learning: Classroom projects, industry talks, and site visits aligned to high-demand fields (semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, health materials, energy). (hscpoly.com)
Clear pathways to credentials: Dual enrollment and early college opportunities that reduce cost and time to degree. (Delta College)
Community-powered events: Joint initiatives with HBA members and regional partners that showcase careers and celebrate student work. (Hemlock Business Association)