It’s official, Michigan’s role as the first state in the union bringing STEM Certification to students looking to fill high skilled, high wage jobs has become the law of the land.
Sen. John Proos joined Gov. Rick Snyder, area economic development leaders, local educators and students on Thursday as the governor formally signed legislation to provide students with important career outlook information and reward students for taking extra science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) courses.
The St. Joseph Senator says, “Both of these measures will help our students succeed by ensuring they can make the best decisions about their education and career.” He loves the fact that, “Michigan is the first state in the nation to allow a STEM certification that rewards students who complete additional STEM classes. We are also now ensuring that every Michigan high school student receives valuable career information about where jobs currently exist and are they’re expected to be created.”
Senate Bill 343, now Public Act 242 of 2018, requires school districts and public school academies to provide students with the most recent available analysis of in-demand occupations for the economic forecast region in which the school or public school academy is located.
SB 344, now PA 241 of 2018, allows Michigan students to receive a STEM certification on their diploma or transcript as an incentive for taking additional courses in STEM subjects.
Cathy Knapp, Southwest Michigan First director and a certified economic developer thanked the Senator, saying, “We appreciate the leadership of Senator Proos to help promote the value to STEM education and help us meet the increasing demand for skilled workers.” Knapp adds, “Our economy continues to grow and create outstanding career opportunities, yet many of our job creators are having a hard time finding the highly skilled workers they need. These innovative solutions will help address that problem and better prepare our students for in-demand careers.”
Chris Machiniak is Regional Director of Career and Technical Education (CTE) for the Berrien Regional Education Service Agency (RESA). Machiniak says, “The high school graduation rate for Berrien County students in CTE programs is more than 94-percent. It is an example of the determination of our staff and students to achieve at a high level and meet the needs for today’s high-wage, high-skill and high-demand positions. Thanks to Senator Proos’ efforts, we now have additional tools to promote our students’ achievements and prepare them for successful careers.”
To earn the STEM certification, students need to complete at least six credits in mathematics, at least six credits in science, at least a half credit featuring significant coursework involving technology, and at least a half credit featuring significant coursework involving engineering.
Also on hand for the signing ceremony was Parker Lyden, a CTE student at New Tech at Niles High School. Lyden says, “I want to thank Senator Proos for all his work to help career and technical education students succeed in school and in life,” and adds, “No one else offers this type of certification on our high school diploma. For those of us taking extra STEM classes, it will give us an advantage in landing a great job.”
The photo accompanying this story on Moody on the Market features Sen. John Proos, R-St. Joseph, as he joined Gov. Rick Snyder and others for the formally signed legislation ceremony. Pictured from left: Kinexus Senior Director of Innovation Duane Berger; Proos; Jerry Holtgren, New Tech at Niles High School director; Snyder; Cathy Knapp, Southwest Michigan First director and a certified economic developer; Parker Lyden, a career and technical education (CTE) student at New Tech at Niles High School; and Chris Machiniak, regional director of career and technical education for the Berrien Regional Education Service Agency.
