MiLEAP Announces Michigan is One of 10 States Selected for NASA, U.S. Department of Education 21^st Century Community Learning Centers Collaboration

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) is announcing today that Michigan has been selected as one of 10 states for the NASA and U.S. Department of Education’s 21^st Century Community Learning Centers (21^st CCLC) collaboration. This innovative program is designed to provide middle school students with engaging opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education during after-school hours, equipping them with the skills needed to tackle real-world challenges and explore future career paths.

“Investing in STEM education is crucial for preparing young Michiganders for the careers of tomorrow,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II (left). “This collaboration not only reinforces our state’s commitment to fostering a vibrant STEM education environment but also helps strengthen our position as a leader in technology and innovation. By offering students meaningful STEM experiences, we are empowering them to develop critical problem-solving skills and the confidence to succeed in a rapidly evolving workforce. Together, we will continue to champion the education and opportunities needed to help students thrive and drive transformative change for Michigan’s future.”

NASA officially launched the partnership in Michigan this week, joining MiLEAP, local after-school educators and facilitators for a two-day Professional Development Training. The training focused on integrating real-world STEM challenges into the 21^st CCLC programs, ensuring that students gain hands-on experience and problem-solving skills while connecting innovative concepts with practical applications.

“We are delighted that Michigan has been chosen for this incredible opportunity,” said Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, director of MiLEAP. “Our commitment to a continuum of learning allows us to expose students to STEM fields early on, sparking their curiosity and imagination about future career opportunities. This collaboration will provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed and show them that the sky is truly not the limit – their possibilities are limitless.”

“By engaging in NASA learning opportunities, students are challenged to use critical thinking and creativity to solve real-world challenges that scientists and engineers may face,” said Darlene Walker, director of NASA’s Glenn Research Center Office of STEM Engagement. “Through the 21^st CLCC program, NASA and the Department of Education aim to inspire the next generation of explorers and innovators through high-quality educational content that ignites curiosity and fosters a joy of learning for students across the country.”

As part of the initiative, Michigan was tasked with identifying 10 21^st CCLC learning sites to implement a series of STEM opportunities including:

• ACCESS: Stout Middle School in Dearborn, Mich.
• BC STEM Innovation Center in Battle Creek, Mich.
• Clare Middle School in St. Clare, Mich.
• Detroit African Youth Development Organization (DAYDO) in Detroit
• Lee Middle School in Wyoming, Mich.
• Leslie Middle School- Reaching Higher in Leslie, Mich.
• Maple St. Magnet school for the arts in Kalamazoo, Mich.
• Charles Hackley Middle School – 21st CCLC Impact Program in Muskegon, Mich.
• Fostering Leadership Academy in Redford Chartership, Mich.
• White Cloud Junior High School in White Cloud, Mich.

Each learning site will host programming to empower students to develop solutions to real-world problems faced by NASA scientists, engineers and astronauts. NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland will provide NASA-related content and academic projects for students, in-person staff training, continuous program support, and opportunities for students to engage with NASA scientists and engineers. 

“Our team at MiLEAP is proud to support learning and community centers across the state that inspire and invest in our youth every day,” said Rawlan Lillard II, deputy director of Education Partnerships at MiLEAP. “These programs rely on vital investments from our state and federal leaders to carry out the critical work of providing safe and meaningful educational experiences outside the traditional classroom. We are eager to see the impact this collaboration will bring to enhance STEM offerings for students throughout Michigan.”

“We are very excited to provide this amazing opportunity to our Reaching Higher Students at Leslie Middle School,” said Kristen Ambroggio, 21^st CCLC site coordinator at LMS Reaching Higher. “Our team is composed of nine students in grades fifth through eighth who will work with two of our staff to design one of the activities. Not only is this a great experience for our students – it is a great opportunity for our community and school district. We look forward to working with everyone over the next few months.”

For more information about NASA STEM Education, visit NASA.gov/stem. For more information about Michigan’s 21^st CCLC, and support for before-school, after-school, and summer programs, visit the MiLEAP Education Partnerships webpage..

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