Michigan students dive into STEM at the Straits
Students gather at the Enbridge Great Lakes Tunnel Information Center.
Where curiosity meets career
Sept. 3, 2025
Nearly 20 northeast Michigan middle and high school students recently had front-row seats to observe classroom learning meeting real-world innovation.
At the end of July, the students stepped beyond the classroom and into the high-tech world of the Enbridge Straits Maritime Operations Center (ESMOC) in St. Ignace, Michigan.
The ESMOC is a one-of-a-kind facility that uses world-class maritime technology specifically designed to protect the Straits. It serves as the nerve center for a suite of waterway safety systems Enbridge put in place to limit the possibility of an anchor strike on Line 5 in the Straits.
Students at the STEM Career Exploration Summer Camp experienced hands-on learning and earned a glimpse into the multiple career paths that STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) can offer when they connected with STEM professionals at the ESMOC. The camp is part of the MiSTEM Network.
“Thanks to Enbridge’s support, Michigan students are getting hands-on experiences that help them discover careers they never knew existed—often right in their own backyard,” said Laura Percival, MiSTEM director for the northeast Michigan region.
STEM students monitored vessel traffic in the Straits during their visit to the ESMOC.
During their visit, students learned how to operate the radio systems to communicate with vessels and confirm anchor positions, which is an essential safety measure.
They also took turns controlling the camera equipment that monitors the Straits while learning how the ESMOC STEM professionals blend their expertise with technology to keep the waterways safe.
“This kind of early, real-world exposure is critical in shaping future goals, building confidence and ensuring all students—regardless of background—have a pathway to success,” said Percival.
“Enbridge is helping us bridge the gap between education and the workforce.”
Building the future
By building excitement for students and providing exposure to new career opportunities, the STEM camps help empower and support Michigan students.
“To help students make the leap from classroom to career, we need to encourage curiosity and provide support as bridge to real-world opportunities.”
—Lauren Brown, Enbridge community engagement advisor
It’s a model of how education and industry can work together to continue building a thriving STEM network in Michigan, according to Lauren Brown, Enbridge community engagement advisor.
“We understand that the students in school today will be the experts building the infrastructure and technology of tomorrow,” said Brown.
“We are proud to show students the many different ways there are to apply STEM skills and contribute to something great—including Michigan’s energy security.”
