Kettering University hosted the annual Innovators: Kettering Young Inventors Workshop for Genesee County students in fourth-sixth grades on May 6.

The workshop was part of a year-long program in partnership with local school districts that encourages students to practice skills in problem solving, critical thinking, writing, research and presenting while applying concepts related to math, science, language arts and social studies to real-world challenges.

Approximately 100 students from five area schools (Flint’s Pierce Elementary, Grand Blanc’s City School and Indian Hill Elementary, Fenton’s North Road Elementary and Montrose Middle Schooed) display their inventions. Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)-based workshops followed, allowing participants access to Kettering’s labs, faculty, staff and students.

Dr. Michelle Ammerman, assistant professor of Biology, led Genesee County elementary students through a cheek cells DNA extraction exercise May 6.

“The Innovators program and workshop is a wonderful community partnership between Kettering University and students in local school districts,” said Jack Stock, Kettering University director of external relations.

The program was previously run through the Genesee Intermediate School District. This year, Kettering and partner organizations including FirstMerit/Stella and Frederick Loeb Charitable Trust, the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, the James A. Welch Foundation and Landaal Packaging, took over and sustained the program. Kettering will continue to seek the support of funding partners in the future to ensure that the program remains a resource to elementary students in the community.

 “We believe this program and exposure to Kettering’s labs, faculty, students and staff provide great value for students who participate,” Stock said. “The students get the opportunity to strengthen key skills while learning more about STEM concepts. The hands-on nature of ‘Innovators’ is a great fit for exposing students to Kettering’s proven philosophy of applying classroom theory and concepts directly into real-world, practical settings. This is a valuable tool for local students and one that we hope the community supports for many years to come.”

For more information about the Innovators: Kettering Young Inventors program, contact Sarah Perkins, Kettering University lead cooperative education manager/educator, at sperkins@kettering.edu or (810) 762-7478.