Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) are shaping the future of the global economy. To help position Detroit on the global stage, the Michigan Engineering Zone (“the MEZ”) aims to educate and inspire Detroit’s youth to become leaders in transforming their city, schools and communities through science and technology. Located in Midtown Detroit within the University of Michigan’s Detroit Center, the MEZ encourages Detroit students to pursue careers in engineering by:
- Exposing middle and high school students to science, engineering, and technology through challenging and exciting hands-on experiences
- Providing training and mentoring to students by utilizing U-M College of Engineering students and alumni, as well as local professional engineers
- Encouraging camaraderie and teamwork among students with similar educational goals and aspirations
- Creating tailored information sessions for students and their parents addressing college opportunities (emphasizing the pursuit of science and engineering degrees), financial aid and scholarships, and the college application process.
For the 2016 FIRST Robotics season, the teams of 18 Detroit high schools stand center stage at the MEZ. The College of Engineering provides the needed space, equipment, training, and mentoring students need to design, build, and test their robots for competition. Approximately 275 high school students and their teachers participate in the robotics program, working with U-M student mentors, professional engineers, and U-M alumni.
We are Building a Playground!
We Need Your Support!
We are donating an outdoor recreation area (a playground!) to Spain Elementary-Middle School, a metro-Detroit school serving a community in economic crisis. Through community building and fundraising, we’ll provide an amazing space for 1-8th graders to play. This contribution will build on the efforts of Spain’s dedicated new principal in restoring and elevating the well-known performing arts school. The build will incorporate elements of team building, unity of purpose, service, and fun into a single event. We will transform a large enclosed yard into a vibrant play space.
When we’re done Spain will have:
- A major play structure geared toward childhood fitness
- Peripheral structures designed to encourage collaborative play
- Musical elements intended for the outdoors
- Landscaping and multipurpose outdoor seating and surfaces
