Supporting STEM education through a purpose built learning environment
At Custer, we know that the right environment can change how people work, learn, and grow.
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.
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Tutoring and Mentoring Room
This space supports one-on-one learning and small group discussions. It features flip-top tables and stackable chairs that can be rearranged or stored to accommodate different uses, including community events and presentations. The room is intentionally fluid, giving mentors and students the freedom to use the space in the ways that work best for them.
Bringing It All Together
This project was made possible by the generous donations from Steelcase and Smith System. Steelcase provided furniture for a dedicated classroom, while Smith System contributed both computer and science tables. Custer managed space planning, design coordination, and installation to ensure everything came together smoothly. The partnership reflects a shared belief in the power of education and the importance of giving students environments that support their potential. Together, we created spaces that are not only functional but also uplifting.
A Unique Space with a Lasting Purpose
What makes this environment different is how it supports the full range of learning needs. While traditional classrooms often rely on fixed layouts and limited flexibility, the STEM Scholars 2.0 spaces are built for movement and adaptability. Students can shift between independent work, collaborative projects, and mentorship sessions without feeling confined by the room.
This variety of options allows for deeper engagement and helps students find how they learn best. It also reinforces the idea that learning is not one-size-fits-all.
A Long-Term Investment in Student Success
For Custer, this project is a reflection of our core values. We believe that well-designed spaces support people at every stage of their learning and working lives. By working alongside STEM Greenhouse, Steelcase, and Smith System, we were able to deliver a solution that supports both student success and community growth.
We are proud to have played a role in this project and look forward to seeing the STEM Scholars 2.0 program grow. This space is more than a classroom. It is a place where young people can build skills, confidence, and a vision for their future.
