FutureSolve 26 Expands STEAM Opportunities and College Credit for High School Students

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., June 15, 2026 – More than 30 high school students will gain industry-driven STEAM project-based learning experience and college credit this summer through FutureSolve 26, a partnership with Kent ISD, Steelcase, BAMF Health, Blox, a division of Newco Design Build, and Ferris State University.

Now in its third year, FutureSolve is a six-week internship program where students interested in science, technology, engineering, art, math and marketing gain real-world experiences. All students who complete the program receive transferable college credits from Ferris State plus a stipend to offset summer earnings loss while they are attending. The program immerses students in real-world experiences and challenges them to use design-thinking principles to solve problems. 
 
 Leaders at Steelcase, BAMF Health and Blox brainstormed ten projects for students to work on over the six weeks. This exposes students to exciting and innovative companies in their community and allows them to work within their fields of interest to make a real impact. Students spend time at Steelcase, BAMF Health, Blox and at Ferris State’s Kendall College of Art and Design and take part in additional field trips.

“Having FutureSolve students on-site each summer is incredibly meaningful to our team,” said Andy McLean, manager of CEO Relations with BAMF Health. “Last year, the students recommended programming that we immediately implemented at BAMF Health and that we plan to continue into the future. We're looking forward to the creative perspectives and energy these student leaders will bring this year!”

“We are excited to partner on FutureSolve for the first time this year. Students will learn about the innovative solutions Steelcase brings to the marketplace and will be able to add ideas of their own,” said Tracy Kurti, Human Resources Director, Steelcase.

“At Blox, we’re environmentally conscious, giving shipping containers new life through creative architecture. Engaging young minds in this process through their FutureSolve experience is exciting for all of us,” said Burton Cardwell, Director of Business Development, Newco/Blox. 

Participating public school students are from Byron Center, East Grand Rapids, Forest Hills, Grand Rapids, Godwin Heights, Grandville, Kelloggsville, Kentwood, and Wyoming. These students have expressed an interest in STEAM topics and a desire to explore career options.

“FutureSolve 26 is an exciting opportunity for collaboration between K-12 education, higher education, and local business that provides high school students with invaluable experience and exposure to the real world of work in an innovative way,” said Ryan Graham, Director of Workforce Development at Kent ISD.

During time at Ferris State’s Kendall College of Art and Design, students will learn more about design-thinking principles and marketing and will collaborate to solve business problems proposed by FutureSolve 26 partners.

“Here in West Michigan, we have an extraordinary opportunity to connect students to industries and organizations that are shaping our region, our state, and our world,” KCAD professor and Collaborative Design program chair Gayle DeBruyn said. “We’re excited to grow our partnerships and continue to provide experiential learning opportunities that inspire young people to be the collaborators, innovators, and leaders of the future.”

FutureSolve 26 is a partnership between Kent ISD, Steelcase, BAMF Health, Blox and Ferris State University in line with CareerPrep 2030 goals to engage more students in opportunities to expand their connections to real-world career experiences while in high school and beyond. Students will share what they have been learning at a presentation and celebration event on Thursday, July 16 from 9:00 a.m. to noon.  Please direct media inquiries to joywalczak@kentisd.org.

Media are invited to FutureSolve:

• Monday, June 22
• 10:30 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
• Kendall College of Art and Design, Ferris State University  
• 17 Fountain St. NW, Grand Rapids 

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About Kent ISD

Kent ISD is a regional educational service agency devoted to achievement for all students. We provide instructional and administrative services to more than 300 schools, 20 public districts, three non-public districts, and many public school academies and non-public schools within our boundaries. We serve the broader community by helping our schools prepare nearly 102,000 students for school and life success. 

About Steelcase
Steelcase is a global design and thought leader in the world of work. Our purpose is the help the world work better. Along with more than 25 creative and technology partner brands, we research, design and manufacture furnishings and solutions for the many places where work happens – including office, learning and health environments. Together with our 11,300 employees, we’re working toward better futures for the wellbeing of people and the planet. Our solutions come to life through our global community of expert Steelcase dealers in approximately 790 locations, store.steelcase.com and other retail partners. For more information, visit Steelcase.com.

About BAMF Health

BAMF Health is the world’s first vertically integrated platform for intelligence-based precision medicine. Headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, BAMF Health employs the most advanced theranostic imaging technology to detect and treat cancer and other diseases and conduct advanced clinical trials. Our overriding mission is to empower patients to become people again. With a team of data scientists, researchers, software engineers, and clinicians —all working in lockstep—we’re making good on it. To learn more about BAMF Health, visitwww.bamfhealth.com.

About Blox
 Blox is reinventing how healthcare buildings are designed, manufactured and constructed. Their focus is on doubling the quality of buildings, delivering them twice as fast and supercharging their value. They’re the go-to for major healthcare providers scaling their operations, using versatile platforms serving diverse clients.

About Ferris State University

Ferris State University is a public university with its main campus in Big Rapids. It was founded in 1884 by Woodbridge N. Ferris with a mission of providing a quality education to everyone in Michigan. With more than 250 associate, bachelor's, master's, doctorate, and certificate programs in high-demand fields, including AI, criminal justice, optometry, and pharmacy, Ferris State provides alumni with the dynamic skillset to power Michigan's future across every industry. An additional 2,200 students take advantage of Ferris State's local hubs across Michigan, robust online programs, and the University's Kendall College of Art and Design in Grand Rapids, Mich.