Hands-On Health: Rural Student Engagement in Health Sciences

A partnership between GVSU’s Traverse City Regional Campus and local schools connects students to hands-on health science experiences. Using vital signs monitors and diagnostic tools, students learn basic assessment skills and earn CPR and first aid certification. Participation in GVSU’s Healthcare Showcase Day further expands exposure to health careers, helping students see a future for themselves in rural healthcare.

GVSU Charter Public School Partner: The Greenspire High School, Traverse City

Waves of Learning: Advancing STEAM and Place-Based Learning about Water Resources in Muskegon and Spring Lake

Students and teachers engage directly with local water systems through field-based and classroom learning experiences. Building on decades of aquatic science programming on Lake Michigan and surrounding waterways, the program expands access to field trips, curriculum resources, and professional development. Learning is rooted in place, helping students better understand the water resources in their own communities.

Supporting & Growing Early-Career 7-12th Grade Life & Earth Science Teachers

A coordinated support system connects pre-service and early-career teachers with mentorship, collaboration, and professional learning. By strengthening preparation and ongoing support, the program addresses teacher shortages and retention challenges in STEM fields. Teachers build confidence and capacity, leading to more stable, effective science classrooms for students.

CyberVR: Immersive Cybersecurity and Trustworthy AI Education for K–12 Learners

Immersive VR experiences introduce students to cybersecurity and trustworthy AI through hands-on, age-appropriate learning. Complex topics become more accessible as students explore interactive scenarios that build digital awareness and problem-solving skills. The program also supports educators, helping bring emerging technology into classrooms in meaningful ways.

The Bug Stops Here: GVSU-Charter School Partnership for Community-Driven Mosquito Surveillance

Students investigate public health and environmental science through a mosquito surveillance project grounded in their own communities. By collecting and analyzing data, they contribute to real-world research while learning about disease prevention, environmental justice, and career pathways in science. The project builds a lasting partnership between schools and the university while connecting learning to community impact.

GVSU Charter Public School Partner: West Michigan Aviation Academy, Grand Rapids 

Future Presidents of America

A week-long summer program invites students ages 13–16 to explore leadership, civic engagement, and public service. Hosted by the Hauenstein Center and inspired by the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site, the experience combines discussion, activities, and real-world context to build confidence and civic awareness. Students leave with a stronger understanding of leadership and their role in their communities.

GVSU Charter Public School Partner: Black River Public School, Holland

Family Career Labs

Family Career Labs brings students, families, and educators together to explore career pathways through hands-on learning. Sessions focus on high-demand industries such as healthcare, IT, entrepreneurship, and advanced manufacturing, with activities co-designed to reflect family interests and experiences. The program strengthens engagement while helping participants better understand education and career opportunities.

The REP4 Detroit Design Blitz Series

Design thinking comes to life as students engage in hands-on workshops, school visits, and mentorship experiences. Hosted at Michigan Central, students explore how design can improve access to education and opportunity. The series connects students to real-world problem-solving while positioning their ideas within a broader movement of community-driven innovation.

GVSU Charter Public School Partner: Canton Preparatory High School, Canton

Project SustAIn: Innovating Today, Sustaining Tomorrow 

Students engage in STEAM and AI research focused on global sustainability challenges, connecting their work to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Through mentorship and access to technology, students design and present solutions that address real-world issues. The experience builds research skills, confidence, and a clearer pathway into STEM careers.

GVSU Charter Public School Partner: University Prep Science & Math High School, Detroit

Grand Valley Student Reporting Labs

Students build media literacy and storytelling skills by creating and analyzing news content in a digital environment. In partnership with News Literacy Project frameworks, the program helps students navigate misinformation while developing their own voice as storytellers. Teachers receive support through professional learning and classroom collaboration, strengthening media literacy instruction across schools.

GVSU Charter Public School Partner: Grand River Preparatory High School, Grand Rapids