BGSU Firelands launching free summer STEM programming for middle school students, professional development opportunities for teachers

HURON, Ohio – New this summer, Bowling Green State University Firelands is launching free STEM-focused educational programming for middle school students and regional educators in June and July, with hands-on learning experiences led by faculty on the Huron campus.

As the regional campus of Bowling Green State University, BGSU Firelands will leverage its educational resources and community collaborations to grow student interest in STEM fields while supporting educators with practical classroom tools tied to high-demand careers and regional workforce needs.

From June 23–26, BGSU Firelands will host a four-day Science and Materials Innovation Academy for students entering grades six through eight. Participants will conduct hands-on experiments in real laboratory spaces, engage in interactive engineering and design challenges, explore real-world applications in materials science, sustainability and recycling and meet with professionals working in STEM and advanced manufacturing fields.

“This program gives students the opportunity to explore science in a hands-on and meaningful way while helping them understand how STEM connects to real careers and future opportunities,” BGSU Firelands Dean Allia Carter said. “We want students to see themselves as innovators, problem-solvers and future leaders in fields that are shaping Ohio’s economy.”

To further strengthen STEM education across the region, BGSU Firelands is partnering with North Point Educational Service Center to host a free Regional STEM Educator Professional Development Institute for middle school teachers from July 8–10.

The institute is designed to provide educators with practical, classroom-ready instructional resources focused on applied STEM learning and materials science concepts aligned with Ohio’s middle school science standards. Teachers will receive hands-on training, turnkey lesson modules and implementation strategies designed for immediate classroom use.

The summer initiative reflects a broader commitment by BGSU Firelands to expanding access to STEM education, strengthening regional workforce pathways and supporting lifelong learning opportunities throughout Erie, Huron, Ottawa and Sandusky counties.

For more information and to register, visit BGSU.edu/firelands/community/camps.

Registration is limited and offered on a first-served basis.