2024 - 2025 Overview

Leadership Training Institute

Our 8^th 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 worked with their teams to develop their Action Plans and met with over 30 STEM Professionals to learn about careers in the GLBR.

Participating School Districts:

Bangor Township Schools, Bay City Public Schools, Bridgeport-Spaulding Community Schools, Carrollton Public Schools, Essexville-Hampton Public Schools, Freeland Community School District, Hemlock Public Schools, Lutheran Schools, Missouri Synod (Bethlehem Lutheran School and Valley Lutheran High School), Merrill Community School District, Midland Public Schools, Saginaw City School District, and Swan Valley School District.

Action Plans

The CSOs have made an incredible impact in schools and districts by bringing STEM to life for students, families, and the entire community in a meaningful and lasting way. They have organized and hosted STEM Nights, career fairs, and school-wide challenges to encourage participation across grade levels, in addition to leading hands-on demonstrations, interactive experiments, and engaging career panels with local professionals. Many teams have started STEM clubs, revamped greenhouses, built gardens and pollinator habitats, supported aviation and Earth Day activities, and implemented recycling and sustainability projects to promote environmental awareness. By mentoring younger students, working together across grade levels, and partnering with community organizations and businesses, the CSOs have successfully made connections between the classroom and real-world STEM careers. Whether speaking in front of a large group, leading small group activities, or creating unique outreach experiences, these student leaders have shown initiative, teamwork, and creativity demonstrating the powerful and lasting impact of STEM education in their schools and communities.

Cabinet Meetings

Our first Cabinet Meeting occurred at MBS International Airport in October of 2024 and gave students an amazing behind-the-scenes look at what happens in the world of aviation and airports. Students were able to delve into the science, engineering, and technology that make aviation possible, from the mechanics of airplanes to air traffic control and more. They learned about how various teams at the airport, such as maintenance, security, and operations, work together to ensure that air travel is safe, efficient, and reliable. Students gained a deeper understanding of the STEM principles that make aviation possible, including aerodynamics, weather systems, navigation, and mechanical engineering. This experience gave students a hands-on look at the careers that exist in the world of aviation and transportation, as well as a chance to explore the engineering principles that make it all work.

Our second Cabinet Meeting occurred at SVSU in April of 2025 and gave students a university experience, exposing them to the many STEM-related degrees and careers that are available to them. Students were able to meet professors, visit specialized labs and facilities, and learn how the knowledge gained in college is applied in the real world through research and innovation. Through presentations and conversations with faculty and staff, students gained insight into fields such as healthcare, engineering, computer science, environmental science, and education. They were encouraged to ask thoughtful questions about college preparation, expectations, and opportunities that exist beyond high school. This experience not only gave students a better understanding of STEM-related careers but also allowed them to see themselves in college, building confidence in their abilities and seeing how their current passions and leadership experiences can be applied to long-term college and career success.

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.

2024-25 GLBR-East Cabinet Awardees:

Outstanding CSO: Lux P. (Bay City Western High School)

Outstanding CSO Achievement Award: Diya R (Saginaw Arts & Science Academy) and Jaidyn R (Swan Valley High School)

Outstanding CSO Team: Bailey B, Claire B, Julianna G, Lux P, and Advisor Mrs. Heather Richards (Bay City Western High School)

Outstanding CSO Advisors: Ms. Mary Knochel (Cramer Junior High School and Garber High School)

Outstanding CSO School: CSOs Connor M, Kinsley P, Jayce W, Madisson K, Marin A, and Mrs. Mary Knochel (Cramer Junior High School and Garber High School)

Outstanding Community Partner: MBS International Airport

Outstanding CSO Action Plan: Emma D, Madalyn, Aubrey, and Advisors Ms. Kriby and Ms. Miller (John Glenn High School), and Diya R, Jeff S, Sarah P, and Advisor Ms. Leneway (Saginaw Arts & Science Academy)

Legacy CSO: Sahiba K (H.H. Dow High School)

Outstanding CSO Alumni: Kaylie VanderElzen