Detroit middle school students get hands-on experience with the future of mobility
Visit to Mcity part of youth STEM initiative of the University of Michigan Center for Innovation featuring curriculum co-developed by U-M and Mcity member Qualcomm
DETROIT, MI — Middle school students participating in a youth STEM initiative of the University of Michigan Center for Innovation in Detroit (UMCI) experienced the future of transportation firsthand during a July 29 visit to the University of Michigan’s Mcity Test Facility in Ann Arbor.
The visit served as the culminating experience for City Tech for Good, an innovative STEM curriculum co-developed by the University of Michigan and Qualcomm Inc. Through hands-on demonstrations and interactive learning, students explored connected and automated vehicles, digital twins, advanced simulation technologies and other emerging mobility innovations alongside university researchers and engineers.
Powered by Qualcomm and delivered through the Michigan Engineering Zone (MEZ), the Mcity event with Qualcomm® Thinkabit Lab™, is one of UMCI’s signature youth engagement activities that serve more than 2,000 students annually through immersive experiences that introduce engineering, technology and future career pathways.
U-M is the only university to co-develop the City Tech for Good curriculum with Qualcomm and the only site implementing it through a three-year cohort model. Together, UMCI and Qualcomm have created a unique educational experience that combines the university’s expertise in STEM education with Qualcomm’s industry leadership, preparing students to explore the technologies shaping tomorrow’s world.
“The future of mobility depends on the next generation of innovators. Hosting Thinkabit Lab students at Mcity helps them see themselves in that future and gives them hands-on experience with technology that’s redefining transportation. We’re delighted to partner with UMCI and Qualcomm to help spark that curiosity early.”
Greg McGuire, Managing Director, Mcity
Through UMCI’s partnership with Mcity, students bring that learning to life by engaging directly with researchers, engineers and cutting-edge mobility technologies in one of the world’s leading connected and automated vehicle testing environments.
“The University of Michigan Center for Innovation in Detroit is committed to creating pathways that connect Detroit students to opportunity,” said Lutalo Sanifu, director of marketing, communications and community engagement for UMCI. “Thinkabit Lab exemplifies our mission by bringing together education, industry and innovation in ways that make STEM careers tangible and accessible. Experiences like this don’t just teach students about technology – they help students envision themselves creating it.”
Thinkabit Lab Program Manager Jessica Ely said the program is about more than introducing students to STEM concepts. “Our collaboration with Qualcomm has allowed us to create experiences that connect classroom learning with real-world innovation,” she said. “Together, we’re helping students discover what’s possible while building pathways to future careers in STEM.”
“At Qualcomm, we believe that giving students early access to emerging technologies helps unlock their potential and inspires them to become the innovators of tomorrow.” said Natalie Taitano, senior manager government affairs at Qualcomm. “Through our collaboration with the University of Michigan Center for Innovation in Detroit, Thinkabit Lab helps students connect classroom learning to practical applications in mobility and engineering. Experiences like this demonstrate how education and industry can work together to build a stronger, more inclusive future workforce.”
The Mcity Test Facility is operated by Mcity, a public-private partnership focused on advancing mobility on the ground and in the air that is part of the U-M Transportation Research Institute. Qualcomm recently rejoined Mcity as an industry member.
“The future of mobility depends on the next generation of innovators,” said Mcity Managing Director Greg McGuire. “Hosting Thinkabit Lab students at Mcity helps them see themselves in that future and gives them hands-on experience with technology that’s redefining transportation. We’re delighted to partner with UMCI and Qualcomm to help spark that curiosity early.”
Through youth engagement, workforce development and graduate education, the University of Michigan Center for Innovation in Detroit is building an educational network that connects learners of all ages to opportunity while strengthening Detroit’s future talent pipeline.
Qualcomm and Thinkabit Lab are trademarks or registered trademarks of Qualcomm.