The Lockwood STEM Center is embarking on an exciting new chapter as it begins a comprehensive strategic planning process designed to guide the organization's growth and impact over the next five years. Centered around the theme "Connecting Education, Industry & Community," the collaborative planning effort will bring together educators, business leaders, community partners, parents, and stakeholders to develop a shared vision for the future of STEM education and workforce development throughout the Great Lakes Bay Region.
The strategic planning process will consist of three facilitated workshops where participants will help define the Center's long-term priorities, identify opportunities for growth, and create a roadmap that ensures the Lockwood STEM Center continues to meet the evolving needs of students, schools, employers, and the community.
While invitations have been extended to a diverse group of stakeholders representing education, industry, government, nonprofit organizations, and community partners, the Lockwood STEM Center welcomes anyone with an interest in STEM education and workforce development to participate in the planning process. Community members who would like to contribute their ideas and perspectives are encouraged to attend.
The three strategic planning workshops will be held at the Lockwood STEM Center on the following dates:
Thursday, August 13 | 5:30–7:00 p.m.
Thursday, September 17 | 5:30–7:00 p.m.
Thursday, October 15 | 5:30–7:00 p.m.
Participants are encouraged to attend all three workshops to help build a comprehensive five-year strategic plan, although attendance at every session is not required to contribute valuable ideas and feedback.
The planning process will focus on five key areas that will shape the Center's future:
Programming – Expanding innovative, hands-on STEM learning experiences that inspire curiosity, build future-ready skills, and prepare learners for success.
Educator Development – Supporting educators through high-quality professional learning, instructional resources, and opportunities to build confidence in STEM teaching.
Workforce & Industry Partnerships – Strengthening relationships with business and industry to provide authentic career-connected learning experiences and ensure students are prepared for tomorrow's workforce.
Organizational Sustainability – Building the leadership, funding, systems, and partnerships necessary to ensure the Lockwood STEM Center continues to thrive for generations to come.
Visibility, Communication & Branding – Increasing community awareness, celebrating impact, strengthening partnerships, and establishing the Lockwood STEM Center as a regional leader in STEM education.
"The Lockwood STEM Center has grown tremendously because of the incredible support we've received from our schools, business partners, and community," said Laura Trombley, Director of the Lockwood STEM Center. "As we look ahead, we have an opportunity to build something even greater together. This strategic planning process isn't about creating a document that sits on a shelf—it's about creating a shared vision that will guide our work and ensure we're providing meaningful opportunities for students, supporting educators, and strengthening connections with industry for years to come. We want this plan to reflect the voices of our entire community, and I hope anyone who is passionate about STEM education will join us."
Tom Lockwood, founder of the Lockwood STEM Center, emphasized the importance of bringing together diverse perspectives to shape the Center's future.
"One of the Lockwood STEM Center's greatest strengths is the collaboration that exists between education, industry, and our community partners," said Lockwood. "This planning process gives us the opportunity to build on that foundation, identify emerging needs, and create a strategic direction that ensures the Center continues to provide meaningful opportunities for learners while supporting regional workforce development."
Hemlock Public School District Superintendent Don Killingbeck noted that the strategic planning effort aligns with the district's long-term commitment to innovation and student success.
"The Lockwood STEM Center has become an incredible asset not only for Hemlock Public Schools but for communities throughout the Great Lakes Bay Region," said Superintendent Killingbeck. "By engaging educators, families, business leaders, and community members in this process, we're creating a shared vision that will strengthen STEM education, expand opportunities for students, and continue building partnerships that benefit our entire region."
The strategic planning workshops will result in a comprehensive five-year strategic plan that establishes the Lockwood STEM Center's mission, vision, strategic priorities, measurable goals, and implementation roadmap. The final plan will guide decision-making, foster innovation, strengthen partnerships, and ensure the Center remains responsive to the changing needs of education and industry.
Individuals interested in participating in the strategic planning process are encouraged to contact the Lockwood STEM Center for additional information. Whether you are an educator, student, parent, business leader, community member, or simply someone who believes in the power of STEM education, your voice is welcome as we work together to shape the future of the Lockwood STEM Center.
About the Lockwood STEM Center
The Lockwood STEM Center is a regional hub for STEM education, innovation, and workforce development located in Hemlock, Michigan. Serving learners, educators, schools, businesses, and community partners across the Great Lakes Bay Region, the Center provides hands-on STEM programming, professional learning for educators, career-connected experiences, robotics and engineering opportunities, and collaborative partnerships that prepare students for success in college, careers, and life. Through innovative learning experiences and strong partnerships with education, industry, and the community, the Lockwood STEM Center is committed to inspiring curiosity, developing future-ready skills, and expanding opportunities for every learner.