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State energy pathway · Michigan

Start with the energy systems shaping Michigan.

Michigan's power grid shifted from coal to natural gas over the past decade — natural gas now supplies 45% of generation, four times what it was ten years ago. Michigan leads all states in motor vehicle and parts manufacturing employment, and the sector makes up nearly 40% of the state's manufacturing GDP. Students in Michigan can connect energy systems directly to the industries around them. That makes technical learning feel less abstract and more like preparation for real regional work.

Energy data is from the EIA State Energy Data System, EIA State Electricity Profiles, NCSL State Energy Legislation Database, and state economic development offices.

See why energy matters hereJump to the matched course

Why Energy Matters in Michigan

Grid Backbone and Vehicle Transition

Michigan's power comes primarily from natural gas (45% of generation), nuclear plants (21%), and coal (21%), with wind and solar adding more each year. The state retired 2,700 megawatts of coal since 2020 and brought the Palisades nuclear plant back online in August 2025—the first US reactor to restart after decommissioning. Students who understand how engineers make fuel-mix choices and balance different sources build skills power companies are actively looking for.

Motor Vehicle Manufacturing and Powertrain Shift

Michigan leads all states in motor vehicle and parts manufacturing employment, and the sector makes up nearly 40% of the state's manufacturing gross domestic product. As automakers add hybrid and electric powertrains alongside traditional ones—a partial and incremental shift—companies still need people who understand electrical systems, power electronics, and manufacturing precision.

Latimer Energy Academy helps Michigan students simulate the fuel-mix choices their state is making today — comparing natural gas and nuclear power in the Microgrid project. They defend their design decisions at a Rate Case Hearing, taking stakeholder roles such as engineer, regulator, and community advocate.

Energy data is from the EIA State Energy Data System, EIA State Electricity Profiles, NCSL State Energy Legislation Database, and state economic development offices.

Start here for Michigan

The Microgrid: Optimization & Resilience

Michigan's power grid runs mostly on natural gas (45%), nuclear (21%), and coal (21%), with wind and other renewables making up the remaining share. Michigan retired 2,700 MW of coal since 2020 and has 1,000 MW of new natural gas generation expected by 2028. In the Microgrid project, students model these exact fuel choices, compare different energy designs, and learn the technical reasoning behind Michigan's real grid decisions.

Mission spotlight

Simulation Meets Reality

Michigan restarted the Palisades nuclear plant in August 2025 — the first US reactor to return to service after decommissioning. Engineers had to verify the plant would work after restarting before it could power real homes, just as students in the 'Simulation Meets Reality' lesson compare what their simulation predicted to what their hardware actually does.

Included in LEA curriculum

Pilot proof

Students enjoy the work because it feels real.

In January 2026, 39 fourth-grade students in Indianapolis completed every lesson from start to finish — coding real pocket computers (microcontrollers), collecting live energy readings, and presenting findings to an audience.

4.6/5

Student enjoyment

72% of students gave it a 5-star rating

100%

Reported learning something new

Every student who took the survey said they learned something new

39

Students completed the entire course

Every student finished all five lessons, coded a pocket computer (microcontroller), and presented findings

Available to book today

Book the support that fits Michigan.

Whether you want to get LEA into the hands of students this semester, plan for a pilot next year, or just learn more about the state-specific approach, you can book a session with our team to get the support you need.

School or district consultation

Review the state-specific entry point, pilot scope, and what implementation would look like for your classrooms.

Book this path

Founder-led instruction session

Bring Dr. Naeem Turner-Bandele in to teach a project and show what high-quality facilitation looks like with students.

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Family or community guidance

Get help choosing the right starting point for home learning, after-school use, or a community organization rollout.

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Utility or business partnership call

Discuss local workforce relevance, territory fit, and how we can collaborate to support energy education in your community.

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Find your path

Choose your next step based on how you want to use LEA in Michigan.

Select your path below to see the approach designed for how you will use LEA in Michigan — whether you run a classroom, lead a school, or support a student at home.

Find the right starting point

Schools

Curriculum and professional development for your district

Teachers

Lesson plans and resources for your classroom

Parents

Learn alongside your child with guided family activities

Community

Hands-on energy programs for clubs and community groups

Utilities

STEM outreach and workforce pipeline programs

Businesses

Partner with Latimer Energy Academy to build the energy and technology workforce