All About Macomb MARZ

The Macomb Automation and Robotics Zone (MARZ) is a 501(c)(3) organization established by Macomb County, Macomb Community College, Macomb Intermediate School District and the city of Sterling Heights to enhance opportunities for K-12 students to discover careers in advanced manufacturing and robotics.

Why MARZ?

Meeting future workforce needs

Macomb County is Michigan’s third most populated county and is one of its fastest growing. With nearly 875,000 residents, Macomb County encompasses 482 square miles and 27 unique communities, including Warren and Sterling Heights, two of the state’s largest cities. Its borders include the city of Detroit and 33 miles of freshwater coast along Lake St. Clair.

While many industries thrive here, Macomb County is a recognized leader in developing and deploying new technologies in the automotive, aerospace and defense industries.

Overall, manufacturing and associated professional services account for 26% of all jobs.

Our
FOUNDING

With an understanding that local employers provide interesting and well-paying careers, leaders from Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development, Macomb Intermediate School District, Macomb Community College, and the City of Sterling Heights gathered with a goal to enhance robotics programming for students across the county.As a result, the Robotics Collaboration and Innovation Center, operating as MARZ, was formed and granted 501(c)(3) status as a non-profit, charitable organization in 2019. It is governed by a volunteer board of directors and holds a current charitable solicitation license with the state of Michigan.

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Support for Teams

To help Macomb County FIRST Robotics teams be as competitive as possible, MARZ provides positive opportunities for interaction for teams and the adults who mentor and volunteer. MARZ also provides financial support for start-up teams.

Hosted quarterly “Mentor Meet-Ups” to share information and provide support.
Provided $1,000 “Team Sponsorship Awards” to five of Macomb’s newest teams: The Polar Pilots, sponsored by North Macomb MSUE 4h, The Shambotz of Eastpointe, Broken Drill Bits of New Haven, Nebulas of Rising Star Academy and ElectroPanthers II of Center Line.

Robotics Teams

Skill Building

Build competitive advantage

Industry Interaction

Opportunities to interact with industry professionals

Support for Volunteers

Mentoring for team mentors

Practice Field

Access to tools and a regulation-sized practice field

Financial Support

Financial support for startup teams.

Outreach Programs

Hands-On Robotics

As a way to expand exposure to STEM activities and the careers they can lead to, MARZ offers a variety of free workshops across Macomb County. Utilizing LEGO Robotics educational kits, tablets and programming software, we customize lessons based on the age of the participants and the amount of time we have to spend with them.

In 2024/25, we served 324 students in partnership with others:

In partnership with Kalasho Education and Youth Services, we are providing robotics workshops for students participating in their weekly summer program.

Working with Center Line Public Schools, we provided in-class robotics workshops for 182 third graders.

In partnership with Chesterfield Township Parks and Recreation, we hosted robotics workshops for more than 50 students in grades K-3 and 4-6.

In February, we partnered with the Automotive Women’s Alliance Foundation to host a “STEM Like a Girl” workshop at Velocity in Sterling Heights. Held on two consecutive Saturdays, 21 girls attended and worked side by side with industry professionals to build and program an intricate robot.

Meet our Team!

Marjie Jenkins

Program Coordinator

Marjie Jenkins began working part-time as MARZ Program Coordinator in 2021. She brings more than 25 years of experience as a competitor and mentor in FIRST Robotics Competitions.

Still lamenting a near-win at the World Championships as a student at Pontiac Central High School, Marjie continued to mentor and volunteer while earning a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Oakland University. She is currently Lead Mentor for FRC 469 based in Bloomfield HIlls and continues to coordinate the Michigan State Championship where up 160 teams compete annually