GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (GRPS) – STEM Greenhouse is making an impact on scholars at Grand Rapids Public Schools as it celebrates new spaces for learning at Innovation Central High School.
“We want to show students that STEM is for everyone,” explained STEM Greenhouse CEO Dr. Keli Christopher. “I wanted a space where there was so much futuristic, but also taking cues from various cultures.”
Renovated spaces now in use at Innovation Central High School include a new classroom, computer lab, and tutoring space.
STEM Greenhouse’s mission is to grow STEM proficiency in vulnerable children to cultivate education and career success. STEM Greenhouse staff provides tutoring during and after school, as well as college tours and STEM field trip experiences.
“STEM Greenhouse brings the perspective of individuals that look like myself and other diverse individuals,” said Marcus Moore, a math curriculum specialist at STEM Greenhouse.
“Our community doesn't have the STEM pipeline for the jobs that are available,” Dr. Christopher explained. “Our hope is that by producing talent here, that we can have students from this program fill some of the gap in that is in our community.”
“I've never been a science or math type of person, but me joining STEM, it's helped my math grades go up, it’s helped my science grades go up,” said Chyna Jackson, a freshman at Innovation Central High School.
“I've never really wanted to go into engineering, but with this experience, it has opened a lot more opportunities,” said Yanelvis Rodriguez, a junior at Innovation Central High School.
