Sterling Heights’ Velocity Center, powered by Alchemist Ventures, is sponsoring and hosting this year’s Macomb Science Olympiad on May 15 at their groundbreaking facility on 18 Mile in Sterling Heights.
This effort is just one way Velocity is helping lead the advancement of technology throughout Macomb County. This year’s Science Olympiad will feature 28 elementary school districts from across Macomb County competing with teams that were formed last fall, although that number is usually around 80 in a non-pandemic year.
For 35 years, the Science Olympiad has worked to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers and doctors. This is accomplished by allowing students to enhance skills in STEM as they study, design and build while having fun with like-minded friends. STEM skills covered include science concepts and knowledge; science processes and thinking skills; and science application and technology. The group hosts two tournaments each year, one for elementary school students and one for middle and high school students, and relies on many local science professionals who volunteer their time to coach the students over several months of preparation.
“Sterling Heights is home to industry that relies on technology, skilled trades and manufacturing expertise, and Velocity is at the heart of that industry, providing support, business resources and connections that help our local businesses expand, create jobs and continue to grow the area’s economy,” said Sterling Heights Senior Economic Development Advisor Luke Bonner. “It just makes sense for us to support initiatives like the Macomb Science Olympiad - initiatives that work to grow STEM-based talent to fill the jobs of tomorrow.”
“The students in our program do amazing things,” said Elementary Tournament Director John Ogden. “They study topics that are above their grade level, ones they might not get in a normal school day.”
Velocity joins General Motors serving as a main Macomb Science Olympiad sponsor this season, increasing the financial support the program needed and helping organizers focus on the many other challenges encountered this season due to the pandemic. Other sponsors including Macomb Community College for providing tables and Fraser Schools for providing laptops for the coding event.
“We really have a great network of support from our community. We couldn’t have offered our amazing program this year without the support of Velocity,” said Ogden. “I’m thrilled that we are able to host a safe, in-person tournament for our elementary participants.”
More information on the Macomb Science Olympiad can be found at macombso.org.