Ferris State partnership helps high school students explore careers, gain college credit

More than 30 high school students will gain industry-driven STEAM project-based learning experience and college credit this summer through FutureSolve 26, a partnership with Ferris State University, Kent Intermediate School District, BAMF Health, Steelcase, and Blox.

Now in its third year, FutureSolve is a six-week internship program where students interested in science, technology, engineering, art, math and marketing gain real-world experiences. All students who complete the program receive transferable college credits from Ferris State plus a stipend to offset summer earnings loss while they are attending. The program immerses students in real-world experiences and challenges them to use design-thinking principles to solve problems.
Leaders at Steelcase, BAMF Health and Blox brainstormed 10 projects for students to work on over the six weeks. This exposes students to exciting and innovative companies in their community and allows them to work within their fields of interest to make a real impact. Students spend time at Steelcase, BAMF Health, Blox and at Ferris State’s Kendall College of Art and Design and take part in additional field trips.

“Having FutureSolve students on-site each summer is incredibly meaningful to our team,” said Andy McLean, manager of CEO Relations with BAMF Health. “Last year, the students recommended programming that we immediately implemented at BAMF Health and that we plan to continue into the future. We're looking forward to the creative perspectives and energy these student leaders will bring this year!”

“We are excited to partner on FutureSolve for the first time this year. Students will learn about the innovative solutions Steelcase brings to the marketplace and will be able to add ideas of their own,” said Tracy Kurti, Human Resources director, Steelcase.

“At Blox, we’re environmentally conscious, giving shipping containers new life through creative architecture. Engaging young minds in this process through their FutureSolve experience is exciting for all of us,” said Burton Cardwell, director of Business Development, Newco/Blox. 

Participating public school students are from Byron Center, East Grand Rapids, Forest Hills, Grand Rapids, Godwin Heights, Grandville, Kelloggsville, Kentwood, and Wyoming. These students have expressed an interest in STEAM topics and a desire to explore career options.

“FutureSolve 26 is an exciting opportunity for collaboration between K-12 education, higher education, and local business that provides high school students with invaluable experience and exposure to the real world of work in an innovative way,” said Ryan Graham, director of Workforce Development at Kent ISD.

During time at Ferris State’s Kendall College of Art and Design, students will learn more about design-thinking principles and marketing and will collaborate to solve business problems proposed by FutureSolve 26 partners.

“Here in West Michigan, we have an extraordinary opportunity to connect students to industries and organizations that are shaping our region, our state, and our world,” KCAD professor and Collaborative Design program chair Gayle DeBruyn said. “We’re excited to grow our partnerships and continue to provide experiential learning opportunities that inspire young people to be the collaborators, innovators, and leaders of the future.”

FutureSolve 26 is a partnership between Kent ISD, Steelcase, BAMF Health, Blox and Ferris State University in line with CareerPrep 2030 goals to engage more students in opportunities to expand their connections to real-world career experiences while in high school and beyond. Students will share what they have been learning at a presentation and celebration event on Thursday, July 16.