Kelloggsville students expand hands-on STEM and entrepreneurship skills under SME grant and Junior Achievement

District staff and students told the board that hands-on STEM and entrepreneurship programs funded by the SME grant and Junior Achievement are active and producing tangible student experiences.

Rob Fron said students are working with robotics (VEX), 3D printing, engraving and screen printing, and that the SME grant supports staff training; three staff attended training in Kansas paid from the grant. Students must pass certification tests with a minimum score of 70 percent; the precision-tools pathway could yield multiple certifications. Taylor Gardiner described a 31‑student entrepreneurship class that operates like a business; students learn finance, marketing and outreach.

Junior Achievement students described public-facing opportunities: several students attended a Hall of Fame event at Frederik Meijer Gardens where student Kenny Vi served as master of ceremonies and escorted the CEO of Corewell Health, and Emily Ojeda said Corewell Health followed up with interest in interviewing her. Students and trustees described the experiences as strong opportunities for networking and real-world skill development.