2023 - 2024 Overview
Leadership Training Institute
Our 7th annual Chief Science Officer Leadership Training Institute was a blast! We had over 80 CSOs come to campus for two days last week to prepare for the upcoming year. CSOs participated in a STEMazing Race around campus, worked with their teams to develop their Action Plans, met with over 30 STEM Professionals to learn about careers in the GLBR, and lastly performed some STEMazing STEMonstrations.
Participating School Districts:
Bangor Township Schools, Bay City Public Schools, Bridgeport-Spaulding Community Schools, Carrollton Public Schools, Diocese of Saginaw (Nouvel Catholic Central Middle and High School) Essexville-Hampton Public Schools, Frankenmuth School District, Freeland Community School District, Hemlock Public Schools, Lutheran Schools, Missouri Synod (Bethlehem Lutheran School and Valley Lutheran High School), Merrill Community Schools, Midland Public Schools, Pinconning Area School District, Saginaw City School District, Saginaw Township Community Schools, and Swan Valley School District.
Action Plans
In terms of districts and grades, the CSO teams had an amazing year engaging students with STEM in creative and impactful ways. Students led classroom activities such as coding and pattern puzzles with elementary students, conducted slime labs and chemistry investigations, and delivered motivational STEM presentations on stage to share careers in their own communities. The teams also coordinated large-scale career fairs and community STEM expos in school gymnasiums, introducing students to peers and professionals in their own communities, while others designed interactive display boards to showcase their impact and share resources. Sustainability initiatives thrived through partnerships and awareness campaigns, and students even partnered with food service staff to investigate food science and innovation. Aviation activities such as Flight Night enabled students to investigate aircraft up close and meet pilots, while telescope viewing enabled astronomy investigations in the outdoors. From community tables and outreach activities to hands-on investigations and career connections, these initiatives encouraged curiosity, fostered partnerships, and showcased how student leadership can make STEM engaging, accessible, and impactful for all.
Cabinet Meetings
Our first Cabinet Meeting took place at Covenant Hospital, where students engaged in a comprehensive healthcare exploration experience. The event kicked off at SVSU before heading to Covenant’s Maylow Conference Center for informative sessions that showcased the application of STEM in every aspect of the healthcare industry. Students rotated through various departments such as nursing, pharmacy, nutrition, business development, clinical engineering, and surgical services, allowing them to gain first-hand experience about the technology, collaboration, and problem-solving that go into patient care and hospital operations. The visit also included a Simulation Lab Tour and team work time, where students got to experience state-of-the-art medical training equipment and think about how their CSO Action Plans relate to real-world healthcare careers.
Our second Cabinet Meeting was centered around public service careers and included rotations with the Thomas Township Fire Department, police department, MMR (Mobile Medical Response), and the parks department. Students interacted with professionals to learn about emergency response procedures, public safety operations, medical equipment and patient care, and park management and environmental protection. These interactive experiences showed students how STEM is applied on a daily basis in critical community roles and emphasized the teamwork and technology that go into keeping communities safe and healthy. The day ended with a STEM professional panel, giving students the chance to ask questions, consider career options, and develop a better understanding of the many opportunities available in STEM-related public service careers.
Celebration
At the yearly CSO Celebration, all CSOs are recognized for their accomplishments in their schools and communities. Special recognition is given to the students, advisors, and community partners who went above and beyond to spread STEM awareness and ensure the success of the CSO program in the Great Lakes Bay Region.
2023-24 GLBR-East Cabinet and Regional Awardees:
Outstanding CSO: Emma D (John Glenn High School)
Outstanding CSO Team: Aubrey W, Kaylie V, Mya J, Olivia B, and Advisor Mr. Craig Coopersmith (Carrollton High School)
Outstanding CSO Advisors: Ms. Autumn Blaesser (Swan Valley Middle School) and Heather Richards (Bay City Western Middle School)
Outstanding CSO School: CSOs Jaidyn R, Sydney B, and Advisor Ms. Autumn Blaesser (Swan Valley Middle School)
Outstanding Community Partner: Hemlock Semiconductor and Thomas Township
Outstanding CSO Action Plan: Sophia M, Xinying L, and Advisor Ms. Jennifer Lenon (Northeast Middle School)
Legacy CSO: Ana R (Hemlock High School)
Outstanding CSO Alumni: Ty Jarvis
Regional Chief Science Officer: Sahiba K (H.H. Dow High School)
Regional CSO Community Partner: Thomas Township
Regional CSO Alum: Ty Jarvis
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