This June, Delta College’s region will host a unique in-person event convening the STEM Learning Ecosystems, an international business and talent collaborative made up of 100 STEM Ecosystems from around the world, including the Great Lakes Bay Region.

Ecosystems work to align learning throughout a person’s life, in any environment, to advance creativity, innovation and a better world for all. The event will focus on sustaining our planet, investing in all people, increasing access to opportunities among marginalized populations and enhancing prosperity throughout communities. 

Michigan was selected as the host site through a competitive process open to all Ecosystems in the global network.

With its theme of “Planet, People, Prosperity,” the conference will explore practical strategies for how communities can use STEM to drive gains in equity, social mobility and efforts to safeguard the environment, as well as address current and evolving talent and community needs for the 21st century economy. 

As one of the special field trips during the conference, Delta College will host a half-day session at its Downtown Midland Center, featuring thought leaders in education and industry. Delta’s presentation will focus on sustainability in the college curriculum and sustainable practices in the construction of its college buildings.

“We value STEM and sustainability initiatives within the region and are proud to be able to showcase the college’s commitment to sustainability over the years,” said Dr. Michael Gavin, president of Delta. 

He went on to acknowledge the partnership with the University of Michigan’s Teachers Innovation Fellowship program, “which is another great effort offering hands-on activities for middle and high school teachers and students,” he said. 

Attendees will learn about Dow’s support of the LPGA tournament, held in Midland, and its focus on designing a sustainable event. There will also be presentations on implementing community-based initiatives that support citizens and businesses pursuing sustainability goals.

The list of worldwide participants includes industry-leading companies, policymakers, government officials, educational institutions, community and nonprofit organizations, and workforce development professionals. 

Partners: Great Lakes Bay Region STEM Ecosystem, Dow, LPGA, STEM Ecosystems/TIES, Broadcom Foundation, Consumers Energy, University of Michigan, Michigan STEM Partnership, Southeast Michigan STEM Alliance and the MiSTEM Network.