NAF Future Ready Scholars at the University of Michigan is a multi-year, STEM-focused career and college readiness program offered to high school students within Southeast Michigan. Participating students spend two weeks in an immersive summer camp at the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, engaging in the Engineering Design Process to solve problems that matter to them. With guidance from Michigan Engineering Zone (MEZ) instructors and U-M students, scholars have the opportunity to learn about various STEM tools (such as robotics, app development, CAD, & entrepreneurship) and use them in collaborative teams to invent and prototype brighter, healthier and more just futures.
Additionally, students participate in college and career readiness sessions that help put them on a path toward post-secondary success through SAT prep, career exploration and job shadowing opportunities. Programming continues during the school year through monthly Saturday Sessions, providing local and ongoing opportunities for career awareness, exploration and preparation throughout their high school years.
This program is free-of-cost to students and families and all student participants receive a stipend upon completion of the summer camp.
MEZ Background
The MEZ has joined the Office of Culture, Community and Equity (OCCE) in its pursuit of providing greater educational opportunities for individuals from educational, cultural, geographic, or socioeconomic backgrounds considered to be underrepresented in engineering.
Located in the heart of Midtown Detroit, the MEZ is a place for middle and high school students of Southeast Michigan to learn, grow and lead. As part of Michigan Engineering, the MEZ strives to provide world-class STEM resources, instruction and counseling to students who very well may be the next generation of Victors. The MEZ offers three multi-year programs in partnership with Michigan Engineering, providing students with the opportunity to engage in experiential learning. These programs are designed to be flexible, allowing students to participate on a year-by-year basis as they pursue their engineering interests.