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'Storytelling and Semiconductors' program aims to encourage STEM careers in western UP 4th graders

LANSING, MI— A program to teach 4th-grade students about the science of semiconductors will launch in the western Upper Peninsula this fall.

The “Storytelling and Semiconductors” project will be funded by a $201,000 grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, in partnership with the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s MiSTEM Network.

The program aims to inspire skills building and potential careers in Michigan’s advanced manufacturing industry. It will serve the 20 districts across Baraga, Gogebic, Houghton, Keweenaw, and Ontonagon counties, including the Copper Country and Gogebic-Ontonagon Intermediate School Districts.

Teachers will introduce fundamental concepts and simplify the world of semiconductors to their students through storytelling and hands-on classroom activities.

Other key partners include Calumet Electronics, REMC, WUP MiSTEM, U.P. MiWorks!, InvestUP, the Michigan Department of Education, and Burton EMS. The mechatronics programs at Gogebic Community College and Michigan Technological University will also be consulted during program development.

Nicole was born near Detroit but has lived in the U.P. most of her life. She graduated from Marquette Senior High School and attended Michigan State and Northern Michigan Universities, graduating from NMU in 1993 with a degree in English.