Hemlock Public School District has been fighting the supply chain pre-pandemic, with a strong focus on STEM education and aspiring young people to explore careers and opportunities working in a STEM field.
The forecast for skilled trades and STEM related workers has shown the supply is low and the demand is growing. With that in mind, the Huskie Pack added STEAM (STEM + Art) education across our curriculum and worked to encourage students that hands on and hard work are rewarding opportunities.
Board President Matt Wesener said, “We often talk about providing opportunities for students that help prepare them for whatever path they choose beyond high school. The Lockwood STEM Center has proven to be incredibly successful in helping to provide a significant portion of those opportunities. We depend upon the support of our community businesses, and individuals to help us achieve our goals and we are asking for help in supporting our students in this STEM expansion.”
In May 2020, the school district broke ground on the now famed Lockwood STEM Center that helps support area robotics and more. The space, 6,000 square feet plus is a one-of-a-kind STEM educational jewel in Mid-Michigan, was hardly open before it was filled with students.
Tom Lockwood said, “The STEM Center is serving as a hive of activity with programs from Lego League through high school robotics using the building most nights. It's an exciting, inspiring place to be. We have already run out of space and are looking forward to expanding the building with dedicated areas called "STEM Labs". The expansion will include a Computing and Design Lab, an Electronics Lab, a 3D Print Lab, and a Lego Lab for younger students. The facility is a showcase of what can happen with community support.”
Hemlock Public School District is working to ensure that students have a first-class STEAM experience and understand how to navigate the world around them, both intellectually and hands on. We are fortunate to continue to grow these programs. Right now, we have designed an expansion project that would add classroom, meeting spaces and additional work space. The cost of the addition is approximately $600K, but with in-kind, grants, and other funding sources we have that amount down to approximately $300k.
If you or someone you know may be interested in making a tax-deductible donation to this project, please contact central office at (989) 642-5282 or email wamack@hemlockps.com today.