Largest Culturally Responsive Math and STEM Student Showcase in Tri-County History
DETROIT –This week, the Tri-County Meaningful Mathematics and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Showcase celebrated its largest event in five years with approximately 1,200 middle and high school students presenting their community research to the public. The Showcase featured students presenting from schools in Wayne, Washtenaw, and Oakland counties, and was organized by Wayne RESA, Oakland Schools, and Washtenaw ISD.
“Students must be able to see themselves not only in the diversity of their teachers, but also in the content they are learning and leading in their classrooms,” said Dr. Daveda Colbert, Wayne RESA Superintendent. “As a leading partner in the Tri-County Meaningful Mathematics and STEM Showcase, we strive to empower teachers and students to learn through a lens of relatability, to ensure that their education is meaningful and used in their everyday lives.”
In its fifth year, the Showcase expanded to a two-day event to better support students at different grade levels. Middle school students, grades six through eight, participated on Thursday, May 14, followed by high school students on Friday, May 15. High school students’ panel presentations will focus on their career and technical education (CTE) experiences as well, when applicable. This initiative challenges students to investigate current systems and issues in their school, community, and society, and to identify how math is both present in the issue and part of a possible solution. All Students will also engage in STEM activities offered by community partners including CODE313, DAPCEP, Lab Drawer, Cranbrook Institute of Science, and many more providing exposure to learning beyond the textbook.
“It is essential for students to see real-world applications of mathematics,” said Oakland Schools Superintendent Kenneth Gutman. “This event gives students a platform to connect their everyday experiences to math in meaningful ways, strengthening both their understanding and their confidence. It’s especially rewarding to see students from Oakland County actively participating and showcasing their work.”
Students work individually, with a partner, in a small group, or with their entire class prior to the Showcase to investigate, research, and prepare their panel presentation. Through participation, students develop new math skills to analyze and critique real-world issues, while strengthening their ability to apply math in meaningful, everyday contexts.
"The Meaningful Math and STEM Showcase is a beautiful opportunity for students to engage in mathematics and share their genius,” said WISD Superintendent Naomi Norman. “In addition, it is an opportunity for students to learn from their peers who live in different communities.”
The Fifth Annual Meaningful Math and STEM Showcase took place at the Wayne County Community College District’s Downtown Campus, located at 801 West Fort Street in Detroit. The program ran from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Thursday and Friday.