Throughout our communities, STEM serves as a bridge—linking schools to the world around them and connecting students’ experiences today to the futures they’ll shape tomorrow. In Van Buren County Community School District, that bridge takes the form of innovative programs offered both during and beyond the school day, designed to spark curiosity and build pathways to opportunity.

In 2023, Van Buren County CSD received a STEM BEST (Businesses Engaging Students and Teachers) award to purchase a commercial printer and launch a student-run print shop. Students now gain hands-on, work-based learning experience—designing graphics, printing commercial-grade materials, and applying and installing their creations throughout the district and community.

The program has helped students beautify school buildings with vibrant wall graphics and support community events with banners for parades and golf tournaments, all while building real-world skills in graphic design.

“It’s been exciting to see their creativity come to life while making a real impact both in our schools and in the community,” says Jessie Greiner, director of innovation and technology integration for Van Buren County CSD.

Greiner emphasizes that the program brings critical opportunities to a rural area where access to such experiences can be limited.

“We felt it was important to bring this program to our kids because they live in a very rural area and may not always have access to the same opportunities as students in larger communities,” says Greiner. “By offering this program, we hope to equip students with an extra set of tools, open new doors, and inspire them to imagine future career possibilities they may not have considered before.”

Beyond the print shop, the district also hosts an annual STEM festival that brings together the many exciting STEM activities already happening in school. The event also highlights local STEM careers, helping students see how classroom learning connects to real-world opportunities.

“This event also gives us the opportunity to showcase STEM careers right here in our community,” says Greiner. “It helps students see how what they’re learning today connects to real-world opportunities tomorrow. Our goal is to spark curiosity, inspire creativity, and help students imagine themselves in future STEM careers.”

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