Adrian, MI – Students from the LISD TECH Center recently participated in a hands-on learning experience through EPIC (Employer Provided Innovation Challenges), a national program sponsored by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. EPIC gives students the opportunity to solve real-world problems in collaboration with business partners—preparing them for future careers through project-based learning.
This year’s challenge focused on improving recycling efforts in Lenawee County. The project was supported locally by Lenawee Now and the Lenawee Chemical Manufacturer’s Collaborative, a group of companies committed to environmental sustainability. Students formed cross-program teams and developed innovative plans to enhance waste management and recycling practices in the community, applying classroom concepts in practical and impactful ways.
Students from three LISD TECH Center programs participated:
· Marketing and Entrepreneurship (Instructor: Angela Sieler)
o Samuel Solis (Onsted)
o Declan Cornish (Tecumseh)
o Carliey Clack (Onsted)
o Katie Fisher (Blissfield)
· Natural Resources (Instructor: Carley Kratz)
o Wyatt Berger (Morenci)
o Cyrus Arnett (Hudson)
· Biochemical Technology (Instructor: Liz Duckett)
o Sapphira Williams (Tecumseh)
At the conclusion of the project, students presented their solutions to a live audience that included LISD staff, fellow students, and members of the Lenawee Chemical Manufacturer’s Collaborative. These presentations allowed students to demonstrate their skills in public speaking, strategic planning, and teamwork—gaining valuable experience in working with industry professionals.
Angela Sieler, Instructor of the Marketing and Entrepreneurship program, reflected on the experience: “Watching students from three different programs come together to tackle real-world challenges was incredibly rewarding. Under the leadership of Sam Solis, who brought valuable experience from last year, this project became the perfect capstone—students applied their classroom learning in innovative, meaningful ways. Both groups developed impressive, yet very different, solutions to real problems in our community. I'm so proud of their hard work, collaboration, and critical thinking, and I'm excited to see how they continue pushing their ideas forward. We’re especially grateful to the Lenawee Chemical Collaborative and Lenawee Now for believing in our students and taking time out of their busy schedules to provide this incredible opportunity.”
For more information about the LISD TECH Center and its career-focused programs, visit www.lisd.us.