“PowerUp! Workshops” Will Engage Students in Manufacturing Job Skills through a $325,000 Grant from State of Michigan
Featured photo: Fourth grade students from Dieck Elementary in Swartz Creek, MI, learn about seismic wave energy as they take part in an earthquake engineering challenge called “Earthquake Construction,” taught by Sloan educator Eli LaRoque. In this STEM workshop, students work in teams to construct an earthquake resistant tower that could survive the earthquake simulator. Photo courtesy of Michigan Economic Development Corporation and Güd Marketing
Flint, MI – Sloan Museum of Discovery and Longway Planetarium have partnered with Hemlock Semiconductor (HSC) to prepare fourth graders in Genesee, Saginaw and Bay Counties to work in high-tech industries of the future.
The new educational program, called PowerUp! Workshops, is funded by a $325,000 grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) Talent Action Team and the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) MiSTEM Network.
The project will focus on teaching manufacturing job skills such as computer chip production, solar panel development, electrical engineering, and computer programming to fourth graders. It will also emphasize soft skills such as critical thinking and communication. PowerUp! Workshops will add to existing STEM programs currently being taught by Sloan Museum and Longway Planetarium educators during school field trips, outreach programs and free Family and Community STEM nights.
According to Sloan Museum and Longway Planetarium Executive Director Todd Slisher, the new, innovative program aims to foster early learning in STEM through collaborative experiences.
“Genesee Intermediate School District and Flint Community Schools have committed to testing some of the program elements before rolling them out to the wider audience. Hemlock Semiconductor is contributing advisory and staff time so the kids will learn from manufacturing professionals,” stated Slisher. “Corporate and industry partners could also be involved with PowerUp! as the program ramps up.”
Launched three years ago, the MEDC Talent Action Team (TAT) is the nation’s first public-private statewide talent coalition created to specifically address talent gaps in key advanced manufacturing sectors.
MEDC’s TAT brings together leading employers, workforce agencies and educational institutions to promote high-demand industries strategically. Together, they’re delivering smarter, faster talent solutions for Michigan’s world-class companies’ needs today and in the future. Since Oct. 1, 2023, the TAT has engaged more than 27,600 Michigan PreK-12 students in career exploration through digital curriculum development, access to STEM summer learning programs, teacher training on semiconductor design and more that align with the stated needs of TAT employers and industry partners.
The MEDC’s Strategic Investments in PreK-12 STEM Career Exposure grants are aimed at introducing career awareness lessons and building fundamental skills needed for a career in advanced manufacturing. Since 2024, the grant program has awarded $3.5 million to 14 education and employer partners across Michigan by leveraging MiSTEM’s Network and statewide STEM strategy. These grants fund locally built programming for early-age children to elementary and middle schoolers, helping them to understand the variety of career paths available in advanced technology, such as careers in semiconductors, mobility and aerospace. By incorporating interactive and age-appropriate activities, these lessons can spark early interest and provide a foundation for more specialized learning in high school and beyond.
“This truly is a unique and powerful partnership with state government, private industry and education leaders all rowing in the same direction to drive Flint and the Great Lakes Bay region forward in this vital segment of our state and national economy,” said MEDC Director of Strategic Talent Initiatives Spencer Lucker. “We have proven over generations that we create some of the world’s best and brightest engineers and technicians right here in Michigan, and MEDC is proud to make this investment to continue that tradition with Hemlock Semiconductor, Sloan Museum and Longway Planetarium.”
HSC is based out of Hemlock, MI, and is a world leader in manufacturing polysilicon, which is the foundational material in computer chips and solar panels. HSC is the only polysilicon manufacturer headquartered in the United States, and the company is a crucial part of the domestic semiconductor and solar supply chains.
As a Talent Action Team employer, HSC will help to enhance Sloan and Longway’s STEM education by providing expertise and advise for interactive learning in electricity, circuitry and engineering roles.
“STEM education is a strategic investment in our region. At Hemlock Semiconductor, we’re committed to cultivating the next generation of innovators by supporting hands-on, career-connected learning. We’re proud to partner with the Great Lakes Bay Region to create real-world experiences that inspire youth and strengthen our local workforce—building the talent and resilience our industry needs to thrive,” said AB Ghosh, Corning vice president and general manager of Solar and chairman and CEO of Hemlock Semiconductor.
The PowerUp! Workshop program focuses on fourth graders because it is a critical stage for STEM engagement, according to Slisher. “Our education leadership has made sure that this new program aligns with Michigan fourth-grade standards on energy and engineering design,” Slisher said. “Our research indicates that kids are highly receptive to STEM around the ages of 9 or 10, which is why we are developing a comprehensive curriculum that engages this age group,” Slisher added.
Skill development will be accompanied by student exposure to STEM careers needed in the semiconductor workforce. Additionally, teachers and counselors will be engaged in company tours and professional development to enhance their ability to incorporate MiSTEM’s statewide STEM strategy through “3P” (place-, project-, and problem-based) learning and career awareness activities into lessons.
The state grant to support the PowerUp! Workshops align with Michigan’s vision to improve, expand and diversify STEM learning opportunities. In FY 2024-25, the state’s $7.9 million MiSTEM investment led to nearly $12 million in additional investment from partners — a 150% return on the state allocation, which led to:
- 55,213 students engaged in camps, projects and career exploration.
- 8,187 educators trained through professional learning.
- 135 educator externships connecting classrooms to industry.
- 936 cross-sector partnerships statewide.
- 412 coordinated STEM activities across all regions.
“Through the PreK-12 Strategic Investments, the MiSTEM Network and MEDC are reimagining STEM education in Michigan—empowering educators, connecting classrooms with communities, and creating hands-on learning opportunities that prepare students for the future,” said Megan Schrauben, MiSTEM Network executive director. “By building a strong STEM culture across our state, we’re ensuring every student has access to high-quality experiences that spark curiosity and open doors to tomorrow’s careers.”
The pilot program is expected to engage up to 3,750 students and 50 teachers in STEM education. The project implementation will begin in Summer 2026.
To learn more about Sloan Museum of Discovery & Longway Planetarium, visit:
To learn more about Hemlock Semiconductor, go to : hscpoly.com
