Exploring STEM Careers Through Robotics: Spotlight on Berrien Springs Middle School’s JMG Program

This Computer Science Education Week, we’re celebrating the incredible work happening at Berrien Springs Middle School (BSMS) through both Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) and the robotics program, where students are combining innovation, teamwork, and real-world skills.

The school, located in Berrien Springs, Michigan, is the first in our state to pilot our Tier One JMG program. Rather than offering JMG as an elective class, all 7th and 8th graders at Berrien Springs participate in the JMG program through a core class, Integrated Studies. The program uses a unique curriculum developed by Youth Solutions called STEP Up that is specially geared towards middle schoolers, designed to keep them engaged in career exploration at a pivotal point in their educational journey. 

The STEP Up curriculum introduces students to Michigan’s 17 career clusters and encourages students to explore jobs and career paths within each of the clusters. One of those career clusters, STEM, is rapidly expanding—especially in areas like robotics, where innovation is driving new career opportunities.

For middle school students, the robotics program at BSMS offers a unique pathway for them to get hands-on experience in STEM careers. The program engages students in challenges that integrate science, technology, engineering, and math, exposing students to potential careers they might not encounter in a traditional classroom setting. The program also fosters an understanding of real-world STEM applications, from engineering design to coding, building, and testing prototypes. The robotics program aligns seamlessly with the goals of JMG by reinforcing competencies such as communication, goal setting, leadership, and teamwork.  Students are able to practice real-world skills that are beneficial for any career path, such as writing sponsor letters and communicating effectively with peers and adults.

Hands-On Learning and Career Exploration

This year, eight students in grades 7 and 8 are currently on the BSMS robotics team, which participates in the FIRST Robotics Tech Challenge. Each year, students are presented with a global challenge. This year, the theme blends archaeology and technology, and students are tasked with solving the problem by engineering and developing a robot. Students begin by identifying the challenge, creating prototypes, testing ideas, and refining their designs based on feedback.

Through this hands-on approach, students utilize technical skills like measurement and fine motor coordination, along with essential skills such as collaboration, teamwork, and problem-solving. The team’s motto, “gracious professionalism,” reminds students to work with kindness and integrity, an ethic they carry beyond the robotics lab.

Success Stories and Achievements

The team’s dedication has already paid off this season. At their first competition in Coloma, MI, the students won the Innovative Award for robot design and the Think Award for their engineering portfolio. Most recently, they qualified for the state competition (Dec. 12–14 in Muskegon, MI), marking an exciting milestone. 

Beyond competitions, the program inspires students to pursue long-term STEM opportunities. This year, several team members have shown strong interest in engineering, and a former robotics student received a full scholarship to Kettering University.

Looking Ahead

As the robotics season continues, these students are not only building robots—they’re building confidence, essential life skills, and a clearer vision for their futures. Programs like Berrien Springs Middle School’s robotics team show just how impactful hands-on STEM education can be when paired with the guidance and support of JMG.

This Computer Science Education Week, we celebrate the students, coaches, and mentors who are helping young people explore, learn, and thrive in STEM careers—one robot at a time.