There’s a new opportunity at Eastern. Started in 2024, the STEM Ed Institute at EMU offers learning opportunities for the community, and the university.
It’s a collaboration between Toyota, Eastern’s college of education, and local school districts.
The program started when Toyota reached out to the University to be a part of Toyota’s Driving Possibilities initiative. The project has college students go to local schools to provide hands on science and engineering experiences and demonstrations to school age students. STEM ED’s employees go to the classrooms to do lectures, conduct experiments with the kids, even take them on field trips. All students, kindergarten through 12th grade and special education students have the opportunity to learn from the outreach program- and it’s completely funded by Toyota.
Currently the Institute has been going to Ypsilanti Community Schools, Lincoln Consolidated Schools, and Washtenaw Intermediate School District, but Toyota just approved seven more schools.
“They’re learning about the field of science and engineering where they can pursue a career in the future,” Raj Rahman said, the undergraduate assistant at the institute.
Rahman is a sophomore at Eastern, majoring in Mechanical Engineering, and he understands the importance of science. Rahman creates the experiments he teaches, makes a plan, uses the funds from Toyota to purchase the materials, then goes to the school to teach it. With Rahman’s expertise, he helps the kids build snap circuits, lava lamps, and programmable robots, all while making the experience both educational and exciting.
“From their mind to a robot," Rahman said.
As one of the four employees doing outreach work, Rahman goes to seminars and conferences for future educators. They learn how to engage with the community and younger people to foster a love of science and engineering.
“I’m privileged that Eastern gave me this opportunity," Rahman said.
The people who run the Institute include the Director of the program, Sibrina Collins, who has a Doctorate in Inorganic Chemistry from Ohio State University. The assistant director, Zach Krauss, has a Master’s in Integrated Scientific Applications.
Although the career slots are currently filled, students are welcome to volunteer for the program. Volunteers can go to classes and conduct experiments in exchange for credit.
STEM ED institute is focused on bringing knowledge to students and offering different career paths. With interactive experiments, field trips to museums, and Eastern’s own planetarium, Toyota and Eastern are investing in the youth of Michigan.
Learn more about STEM Ed and Toyota Driving Possibilities.
