Stories | All in Michigan

Educating Teens About Food and the Farm Through New City Neighbors

New City Neighbors, a Grand Rapids nonprofit, empowers urban youth through hands-on agricultural education, community service, and career-building experiences, helping them address food scarcity and build stronger local connections.

Grand Rapids Youth Increase Civic Engagement After School

The Mayor’s Youth Council in Grand Rapids, Michigan, empowers high school students to engage with local government, voice community concerns, and lead projects that inspire positive change.

Kalamazoo Youth 'at Forefront' in Fight to Decrease Gun Violence and its Impacts

Kalamazoo youth are leading efforts to reduce gun violence and support their community through the Community Peace Project. By learning and teaching trauma-informed skills, they are creating a ripple effect of resilience and healing.

Afterschool Forensics Program Builds Community and Confidence

Discover how Olivet High School theater students found growth and community through the MIFA State Theatre Festival.

Ypsi Clubhouse Offers a Safe Place for Youth to Learn and Grow After School

Educate Youth in Ypsilanti offers a safe, supportive space where students gain academic support, mentorship, and life skills through its H.O.P.E. program, empowering them to succeed in school and beyond.

Helping Flint Youth Thrive Beyond the Classroom

All kids deserve to be supported by thriving families, educated in thriving schools, and uplifted by thriving communities.

Gaining Life Skills and Experiences in Afterschool

Sydney and Elizabeth Reed know firsthand the power of afterschool programs to change lives–in their own family and their community. ASPIRE in Shelby is providing youth with new experiences and opportunities to grow.

Where Children Learn through Exploration and Play

In the rural Upper Peninsula communities of Baraga, Houghton, and Keweenaw counties, BHK Child Development Board has been making a difference in the lives of Northern Michigan’s children and families for over 50 years.

Finding My Voice in Afterschool

Afterschool programs such as Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit are preparing Michigan youth for their futures. Charisma’s program has taken her on field trips to local colleges and helped her build life skills that will serve her beyond the classroom.

Inspiring Youth in Rural Michigan to Create a Greener Future

Growing and eating fresh zucchini straight from the vine. Collecting water samples on a field trip to Lake Michigan. These are just some of the exciting ways young people are learning and building real-world skills at SEEDS EcoSchool.

Hope for Every Student

In Holland, Michigan, Hope College Children's After School Achievement (CASA) and Step Up, are collaborating with local schools to provide year-round programming and ensure students have access to the tools they need for success.

Michigan Needs More Afterschool!

Afterschool programs help young people build life skills, do better in school, get connected to their community, and explore careers.

But in Michigan, 5 in 6 youth are missing out on the afterschool opportunities their families want. That's 678,000+ children whose parents would enroll them if a program were available.

Add your name and email if you support expanding afterschool programs to help Michigan youth, families, and communities thrive. You’ll stay up to date on our campaign and how you can help.