UNITED WAY AND ERNST AND YOUNG UNVEILS INNOVATION LAB AT ANN VISGER PREPARATORY ACADEMY

DETROIT, MI - October 16, 2023 - United Way for Southeastern has announced the unveiling of an innovative hands-on learning space for River Rouge elementary students. The Ann Visger Innovation Lab is an interactive environment designed to help students learn and grow their interest and competency in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. The lab is made possible thanks to a generous donation from Ernst & Young (EY), in partnership with United Way for Southeastern Michigan. EY has an established record of partnering with United Way, having previously launched a makerspace at Stevenson Elementary in Southfield to help bridge the digital divide.

Originally, the Ann Visger library served as a space for reading and math interventions. However, due to budget cuts and the increasing cost of operating school libraries, the library was dismantled and remained unused for a while. Today, the space has been repurposed into the Ann Visger Innovation Lab.

Spanning six zones, the lab offers a hands-on approach to STEM principles and encourages exploration, creativity, and problem-solving through technology and innovation. These zones include:

Flight and Aviation

Reading and Relaxation

Building and Design

Forces and Movement

Coding and Robotics

Imagination and Creativity

STEM education is a way of teaching and learning that integrates science, technology, engineering, and mathematics concepts. STEM education has many benefits for children's development and future success, such as:

Igniting creativity and innovation

Cultivating collaboration and communication skills

Developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills

Fueling curiosity and cognitive skills

Opening doors to STEM careers and higher education

Fostering initiative and entrepreneurship

Bridging the gender gap and boosting diversity

Increasing media and technology

The Ann Visger Innovation Lab is an excellent example of how STEM learning can be integrated into the classroom to help students learn about STEM fields in a fun and interactive way. The lab offers a hands-on approach to STEM principles, encouraging exploration, creativity, and problem solving through technology and innovation. As they explore the different spaces, students will be exposed to hands-on experimentation with technology and STEM principles, building their confidence in using technology to solve problems creatively through repetition and experimentation.

About United Way for Southeastern Michigan

United Way for Southeastern Michigan, an independently governed 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, works to help households become stable and ensure children have the support they need to thrive. . United Way works in partnership with donors, agencies, corporate and municipal partners to help families meet their basic needs of housing, food, health care and family finances, and ensure children start school ready to learn and graduate ready for life. To give, advocate, volunteer or learn more, visit UnitedWaySEM.org.