Supporting STEM education through a purpose built learning environment
Published On: May 1, 2025
Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan
So when STEM Greenhouse invited us to help shape a new space at The Innovation Central School in Grand Rapids, we were excited to be part of something meaningful.
Alongside our partners at Steelcase and Smith System, we collaborated on a fully donated furniture solution to support the launch of STEM Scholars 2.0. This project wasn’t just about outfitting a space. It was about building a learning environment where students could explore, create, and thrive.
STEM Greenhouse: A Mission Focused on Opportunity
STEM Greenhouse is a nonprofit working to grow STEM proficiency in local students who have limited access to opportunity. Based in Grand Rapids, their work addresses educational inequities and creates new pathways for students to succeed in science, technology, engineering, and math.
With the launch of the STEM Scholars 2.0 program, STEM Greenhouse is equipping high school students with hands-on experiences, mentorship, and exposure to real-world STEM concepts. The program helps students grow their skills and self-belief, showing them that a future in STEM is both possible and within reach.
Designing for Impact.
When STEM Greenhouse came to us, they needed a space that supported learning and mentorship in a way that felt inspiring. They had a vision for something flexible, functional, and different from the standard classroom. It was a brand-new space, and it needed to feel like a fresh start.
Custer worked closely with Steelcase and Smith System to create three distinct environments within the new space. Each area serves a specific purpose while contributing to a larger goal of student growth and engagement.
Computer Lab
Designed for digital learning, the computer lab features Smith System computer tables that are durable enough for daily use and adaptable for various tech-focused activities.
STEM Lab
This is the main hub for hands-on learning. We selected Smith System trestle-style science tables that are ideal for lab work and collaborative projects. These tables are built to handle everything from group experiments to individual problem-solving.
Tutoring and Mentoring Room
This space supports one-on-one learning and small group discussions. The room is intentionally fluid, giving mentors and students the freedom to use the space in the ways that work best for them.
