As the 2024-25 chair of the National Lt. Governors Association. I’m proud to celebrate the winners of the 4th annual NLGA Lt. Governors’ STEM Scholarship Program, sponsored by ACT.
NLGA received 129 applications from 32 states and territories this year. While the applications were impressive and the decision was difficult, these 12 schools truly stood out.
As a software engineer, I know the importance and impact the STEM fields have on the national and states’ economies. As Michigan’s Lt. Governor, I’ve been able to use my background in tech to help address numerous issues that affect people from all parts of our state, especially students.
Tech can change the world and solve problems for working families. Encouraging students to pursue STEM education and career opportunities grows our economy and helps more working Michiganders get the skills they need to thrive.
The NLGA STEM Scholarship Program supports accredited public, private, tribal, and charter schools by funding an array of STEM programs and opportunities, as well as new programs such as robotics, hands-on STEM projects on sustainability and upcycling, a STEM gardening project for elementary students focused on sustainable agriculture, STEM curriculum focused on renewable energy, and many others.
None of this would be possible without ACT’s sponsorship. Like ACT, I believe trustworthy and accurate assessments of students’ academic skills are imperative so students, parents, and school systems can track progress and make adjustments that allow all students fair access to high-quality education and career opportunities.
As leaders in a bipartisan organization, NLGA members have varying views on many topics. However, we wholeheartedly agree with ACT’s mission of transforming college- and career-readiness pathways so everyone can discover and fulfill their potential.
We at the NLGA are proud to be able to help schools deliver high-quality STEM learning opportunities with these scholarships and are grateful for ACT’s support. We know that the STEM fields’ individual, national, and global impacts are too important not to assist and encourage this learning at the K-12 levels.