July 15, 2026

FutureSolve 26 students presenting innovative solutions to real-world problems through Ferris State partnership

High school students from eight area school districts participating in FutureSolve 26 on Thursday will present their innovative ideas and solutions to real challenges.

FutureSolve 26 is a six-week STEAM - science, technology, engineering, art and math - focused internship where they gain hands-on, real-world experience and college credit. The program is a partnership between Ferris State University’s Kendall College of Art and Design, BAMF Health, Kent Intermediate School District, Steelcase and Blox, a division of Newco Design Build.

Media are invited to attend the presentation at Bamboo Gallery, 2 Fulton St. W in Grand Rapids on July 16 at 9 a.m.

Now in its third year, FutureSolve is an experience for students interested in careers in healthcare, technology, engineering, and marketing.

All students who complete the program receive transferable college credits from Ferris State plus a stipend to offset loss of summer earnings 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 projects for students to work on over the six weeks. The students will share their ideas and solutions for these projects at a Summer Symposium & Celebration to business and education mentors on July 16.

Participating in the program, are students from Byron Center, East Grand Rapids, Forest Hills, Godwin Heights, Grandville, Kelloggsville, Kentwood, and Wyoming.

FutureSolve’s efforts are 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.