Dow Corning Foundation - SVSU - Community STEM Partnership

Funding for this program has ended. We will update this site if/when future funding becomes available.

K-12 teachers in the Great Lakes Bay Region can participate in a program that takes STEM teachers and students out of a textbook approach to learning and into a world of hands-on discovery and exploration in the classroom and in the community.

Project Goal

Impact Great Lakes Bay Region K-12 students' perceptions, attitudes and knowledge of STEM through the establishment of a network of STEM experiential teachers, known as Dow Corning Foundation Fellows. 

Why this project, why now?

The 21st century economy is based on technology and technological advances. Further, studies have found that inquiry-based science activities have positive effects on students' science achievement.

Program Overview

It's all about leadership and leverage. The Dow Corning Foundation-SVSU-Community STEM Partnership program is designed to have a widespread impact to create positive perceptions, attitudes and knowledge of STEM. Participating teachers attend a summer workshop and develop an inquiry based project for their school, with support from SVSU Faculty and Regional STEM professionals. Funding is provided by the Dow Corning Foundation; it is anticipated that the program will continue through May 2022.

The program includes participation in a two-week summer workshop, up to $1,000 stipend for the teachers (stipend payment is based on full-time attendance), and up to $2,000 in supplies for an inquiry-based project. At the end of the school year, project results will be presented by the teachers and their students at a public symposium. Attendance at the workshop each day and presenting at the symposium are requirements of the program; please check your schedule to ensure you are able to fully participate. 

Projects may also be conducted by multiple teachers from the same school system, with teams of 2-3 teachers working on a single project. Each teacher receives a stipend of up to $1,000 and the team will have up to $4,500 in project supplies.

Previous teacher participation has resulted in the construction of outdoor learning environments, hydroponics systems, ROV development, greenhouse enhancement, maker spaces and scientific equipment acquisition. In addition, teachers have also received individual support from local businesses and community members to enhance their projects, with some teachers raising thousands of additional funds to support their project goals.