Activities
Major activities of the WMU STEM Workforce Collaboratory (STEM-WC), e.g., microcredential programs, technology and equipment purchasing, course-based undergraduate research experiences, faculty externship program, and K-12 engagement, are described below.
Microcredentials
In collaboration with WMU faculty/instructors and other on-campus partners, the STEM-WC is developing new microcredential programs at WMU that span strategic topic areas such as advanced manufacturing, biology and biomedical sciences, cybersecurity, materials and analytical sciences (e.g., physics, chemistry), Earth and environmental sciences (e.g., geography, geographic information science and technology, and geology) to STEM education. Microcredentials are oriented toward individuals working in industry, non-traditional students, community college students, high school teachers, and current WMU students.
An emphasis of STEM-WC funding supports acquisition of technology and equipment to support microcredential courses, which will include purchasing state-of-the-art equipment for STEM labs and/or upgrades for advanced use of information technology (e.g., licenses for advanced software).
The microcredential program will involve academic program review and integration activities in order to operationalize high impact microcredential opportunities.
Technology and Equipment Purchasing
The STEM-WC will support WMU STEM goals by purchasing cutting-edge technology and equipment. Equipment purchases will directly impact current and future STEM courses through hands-on instruction for a diverse set of students aligned with STEM industry practices and needs.
CUREs and Undergraduate Internships
The STEM-WC provides an avenue for industry and faculty to exchange information about current needs/practices in order to enhance course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) as well as identify opportunities for students to engage directly with industry through off-campus internships. STEM-WC funding for new equipment and labs will also enhance student research with faculty members within traditional courses and independent studies.
Faculty Externship Program
The faculty externship program is designed to allow for individual WMU faculty to spend one to two months working with an external/industry partner in their STEM field. The program allows faculty to directly learn what their students need to thrive in STEM fields and what they learn can be brought back to the classroom.
K-12
STEM workforce development begins prior to entering the university. The STEM-WC engages with K-12 schools, primarily high school classrooms and teachers, in southwest Michigan to enhance STEM opportunities for students and expose students to STEM disciplines.