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Through the SMART apprenticeship program in Michigan, a school psychology graduate student earns $25 per hour for 20 hours a week, for 30 weeks. (Monkey Business)

Tuesday, May 7, 2024

MI schools seek solutions as pandemic mental health funding ends

Special state funding for mental health staff at Michigan public schools during the pandemic is ending this year, leaving schools scrambling to find …

Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., who sits on the Senate Appropriations Committee, helped secure the funding for the Western Michigan University project. (VectorMine/Adobe Stock)

WMU secures $2.25 million grant for carbon capture research

Western Michigan University has gotten a significant funding boost, with a grant of more than $2 million from the U.S. Department of Energy. The …

Although food insecurity can be faced by anyone, Black and Latino children are twice as likely to face hunger because of discrimination based on race. And in 2022, 33% of single-parent families experienced food insecurity. (Piman Khrutmuang/Adobe Stock)

Michigan students get a boost to summer food access

Michigan is planning ahead to make sure kids from lower-income families have enough to eat this summer. The state has opted into a federal food …

One fifth of four-year college graduates complete their education later in life, according to a new report by the National Bureau of Economic Research. (moodboard/Adobe Stock)

A surprising number of Michigan college graduates are 'late bloomers'

When you think of college students, you may think of young adults starting out in life but a new report is pointing to a different trend. More older …

This third edition of AECF's Race for Results report has post-COVID data and contends that young people are missing critical developmental milestones as a direct result of choices to not invest in policies, programs and services that support children, especially in under-resourced communities and communities of color. (Brocreative/Adobe Stock)

Many Michigan kids of color face significant barriers to reaching potential

Black children in Michigan are performing worse than their peers nationally in every metric measured, according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation's …

Achievement data for fourth grade and eighth grade rural Michigan students experiencing poverty and all rural students ranks in the middle compared to other U.S. states. (ruslanita/Adobe Stock)

Report: Rural Michigan students need school counselors

A new report said Michigan has the lowest professional-to-student ratio of all states and pointed to the particular staffing needs of rural schools…

In a statement, Edward Mitchell, CAIR's national deputy director, said

Questioning of Muslim American judicial nominee called 'irrelevant,' 'hostile'

Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., has drawn fire for his questioning of the first Muslim American judicial nominee. Hawley, along with Sen. Tom Cotton…

In the America's Health Rankings report, Michigan ranks 18th among states for childhood immunizations, and 27th for kids getting preventive dental care. (tigercat_lpg/Adobe Stock)

Report shows uptick in mental health concerns for MI women

Michigan women have mental-health concerns at rates higher than the national average, according to a new report. The United Health Foundation …

People with additional years of education beyond high school tend to be more civic-minded and interact more with neighbors and family members, according to a recent Gallup poll. (Tyler Olson/Adobe Stock)

Increasingly, politics make their way into students' college choices

By Jon Marcus for The Hechinger Report.Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi for Michigan News Connection reporting for The Hechinger Report-Public News …

AARP's Fraud Watch Network has a list of current scams and how to recognize and avoid common scams, including videos breaking down how scams work. (Adobe Stock)

Scams, fraud take mental-health toll, especially on older adults

Scams and fraud have long-lasting effects on a person's mental well-being, but the latest research found the emotional toll is particularly high on …

Jewish Americans hold up signs, including

MI advocates of Palestinian-Israeli peace march in DC today

In the wake of a significant protest by Jewish people supporting Palestinian rights last week, thousands are set to assemble on Capitol Hill today…

Michigan obesity rates have more than doubled in children and quadrupled in adolescents in the last 30 years. (Adobe Stock)

MI adults learn to 'lead by example' for kids' heart health

Heart disease is Michigan's number one cause of death. This is the time of year that parents can step up their efforts to prevent it - in the next …

The cannabis chemistry certificate can lead to occupations such as medical lab scientist and other specialization. Wayne State University says it can serve as a solid foundation for further training and coursework. (Sharne T/peopleimages.com/Adobe Stock)

MI students get ahead of emerging science in cannabis

Cannabis is an emerging science in which students can make new discoveries and contributions. Wayne State University in Michigan has introduced an …

Michigan is among 20 states to receive a multiyear grant from the Pritzker Children's Initiative. (SneakyPeakPoints/peopleimages.com/Adobe Stock)

MI coalition helps get cash influx to improve childcare

The coalition known as "Think Babies Michigan" has advocated for more than $36 million in funding to offer grants to child-care providers for infants …

National Voter Registration Day is a nonpartisan civic holiday celebrating democracy. It has gained momentum since it was first observed in 2012. (Robert Yap/Adobe Stock)

Today is National Voter Registration Day

Today is National Voter Registration Day. Michiganders have many locations where they can register to vote, such as community colleges, universities…

According to the American Heart Association, people feel more confident performing Hands-Only CPR and are more likely to remember the correct chest-compression rate when trained to the beat of a familiar song. (9dreamstudio/Adobe Stock)

From Beyoncé to 'Baby Shark,' the Right Tune Can Save a Life

With popular artists like Beyoncé and Taylor Swift touring Michigan this summer, the American Heart Association is reminding people that some of …

The new Ben L. Silberstein Institute for Brain Health is expected to expedite neurodiagnostic and treatment breakthroughs for real-world brain disorders, both in children and adults. (Sneihit Photo/Adobe Stock)

Michigan University to Establish Brain Health Institute

Detroit's Wayne State University is gearing up to establish an institute on brain health, thanks to a $20 million donation. The Ben L. Silberstein …

Michigan allocated $70 million and lowered the age restriction to expand Michigan Reconnect. Flint-based Mott Community College is among the state's 31 community and tribal colleges. (Courtesy of Mott Community College)

Michigan Doubles Down on Free Community College

Building on the success of a $140 million investment, Michigan is making community college free to hundreds of thousands more students by expanding …

Michigan asign� 70 millones de d�lares y redujo la restricci�n de edad para ampliar Michigan Reconnect. Mott Community College, con sede en Flint, es uno de los 31 colegios comunitarios y tribales del estado. (Cortes�a de Mott Community College)

Michigan apuesta por la universidad comunitaria gratuita

Aprovechando el éxito de una inversión de $140 millones de dólares, Michigan está haciendo que la universidad comunitaria sea …

A Nov. 2022 report suggested Michigan fund school transportation needs separately from other education costs, because those needs vary so widely. (oneinchpunch/Adobe Stock)

MI Schools Explore Ways to Battle Chronic Absenteeism

It's hard for kids to think about going back to school quite yet but districts in Michigan are already thinking about how to keep them coming to schoo…

American families say the lack of cost-effective and available child care is a major problem in their lives, according to the 2023 Kids Count Data Book. (Adobe Stock)

MI Finishes in Bottom Half of Child Well-Being Rankings

Michigan continues to be ranked in the bottom half of U.S. states for child well-being, according to the latest Kids Count Data Book. This year's …

Research has found that about 90% of individuals who die by suicide experience mental illness, which oftentimes is undiagnosed or untreated. (Adobe Stock)

Hospitals Collaborate on Best Suicide Prevention Practices

Trinity Health Michigan is joining a new nationwide network of hospitals collaborating on suicide prevention. Research shows nearly half the people …

Learning to debate helps develop students' critical thinking skills, according to the American Debate League. (Adobe Stock)

Community Groups Encourage Open Dialogue After Controversy at Michigan High School

After controversy erupted over Palestinian American activist and lawyer Huiwada Arraf's speech at a Michigan high school, community groups are …

In 2021, some 241,000 new apprentices entered the national apprenticeship system, but a new policy report says Black workers are still underrepresented. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Black Workers Need More Opportunities for Apprenticeships

Labor leaders and various industries recently celebrated the 85th anniversary of a federal law that laid the groundwork for registered apprenticeship …

The Warrior Way Back program at Wayne State University works with older students who may have families or jobs competing for their study time. (digitalskillet/Adobe Stock)

University Makes It Easier for Former Students to Return, Finish Degree

Everyone starts college with pretty much the same dream - to earn a degree and have a better life. But sometimes life gets in the way, and dreams get …

Law enforcement officials say Tuesday's deadly incident at Michigan State University is the 67th mass casualty event in the U.S. this year. (Adobe Stock)

MSU Shooting: Deja Vu for Two Survivors of School Gun Violence

The deadly shooting spree at Michigan State University Monday night was another tragic American event involving firearms. But for at least two MSU …

The National Center for Education Statistics shows while the number of people earning college degrees has increased, the retention rate for first- and second-year students remains flat. (Adobe Stock)

Colleges Working to Raise Graduation Rates by Eliminating 'Equity Gap'

Colleges in Michigan and around the country are taking a proactive role in helping their students to succeed in their academic careers. Programs …

Students in the Career Launch Program learn a trade through working several hours a week on a flexible schedule, with competitive wages increased at regular intervals. (Monkey Business/Adobe Stock)

Schools See Apprenticeship Programs as Alternatives to College Prep

With the cost of a four-year college education approaching six figures at some institutions, many students are looking at apprenticeships to train …

The 2022 NAEP Long-Term Trend results for 9-year-olds showed the first-ever declines in math and the largest drop in reading achievement since the 1980s. (auremar/Adobe Stock)

Michigan Educators Urge Action to Reverse Low Student Test Scores

Educators are deeply concerned but not surprised with newly released test results showing how far behind Michigan students have fallen during the pand…

Many people are surprised to learn that American Sign Language is the third-most common language in the United States, after English and Spanish. (New Africa/Adobe Stock)

Wayne State Adds American Sign Language to Teaching Curriculum

Deaf people say they sometimes feel like they're living on a different planet from those who can hear, but when both learn to use American Sign …

Access to broadband internet can bring students higher grades, make older adults less isolated, keep nursing home residents out of the hospital, and increase revenues for small businesses, according to the Michigan High-Speed Internet Office. (a_korn/Adobe Stock)

Partnership Connects Struggling MI Families with Low-Cost Broadband

Broadband internet has become a necessity for Americans to stay connected, but almost 1 million Michigan residents do not have access or face …

About 45% of Wayne State University recent graduates started their education at other institutions. (llhedgehodll/Adobe Stock)

Wayne State Changes Transfer Credit Policy to Increase Access

A university in Michigan is seeking to make it easier for folks to obtain a bachelor's degree after attending community college, by removing barriers …

The National School Lunch Act was signed by former President Harry Truman in 1946. (WavebreakmediaMicro/Adobe Stock)

USDA Awards Grant to Help MI Build Its School Nutrition Workforce

The Michigan Department of Education has received a nearly $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for building and retaining …

Michigan is in the bottom 10 states for fourth-grade reading among Black students. (carline11/Adobe Stock)

Report: Michigan Lags Behind Other States in Reading, Math Indicators

A new report found Michigan kids have remained stagnant across several key indicators of student success, such as fourth-grade reading and eighth-…

Forty percent of first-generation students in a survey said they filled out the FAFSA forms themselves, compared with 11% of higher-income students. (photo_gonzo/Adobe Stock)

Simplifying the FAFSA: MI Groups Have Some Tips

As the U.S. Department of Education works to simplify the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, known as the FAFSA, groups in Michigan have some …

Experts say the earlier, the better when it comes to building financial skills such as saving, borrowing and investment. (BullRun/Adobe Stock)

MI Lawmaker, Credit Unions: Youth Need Financial Education

A bill before the Michigan Legislature would bring financial education into the state's public schools, by requiring high school students to take a …

Students who are forced to delay their college plans are less likely to complete that degree, and the pandemic has had an outsized impact on college-going rates for Black and Latino students. (Lisa F. Young/Adobe Stock)

Report Cites COVID's Outsized Impact on Black, Latino College Plans

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an outsized impact on Black and Latino communities in Michigan, including when it comes to college plans. A new report …

Young women who give birth while attending community college are 65% less likely to complete their degree, prompting groups to help more young parents achieve their personal goals. (Michigan Organization on Adolescent Sexual Health)

MI Groups Seek to Break Stigma Around Young Parenting

It is Michigan Young Parent Awareness Day, and groups are spotlighting efforts to support expectant and parenting young people, both in taking care …

65% of parents surveyed by Hart Research think low teacher pay is a cause for concern. (Vasyl/Adobe Stock)

Polling Shows Parents Support Teachers', Schools' Handling of COVID

Recent polling shows strong support for educators and schools in Michigan and across the country throughout the COVID-19 crisis. More than 3 in 4 …

More than 335,000 Michiganders have a serious mental illness, but researchers say there are not enough Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners or other mental-health professionals in the state. (Adobe Stock)

Researchers: MI Communities Need More Mental Health Support

Pockets of Michigan have limited or no access to mental health providers, and a new pilot program aims to change it. The Wayne State University …

The United States ranks 27th for access to high-speed internet, according to allconnect.com. (Chay_tee/Adobe Stock)

MI Educator: Focus on Rural Communities in Broadband Buildout

PARADISE, Mich. -- Rural educators say the funding for broadband in the bipartisan infrastructure package signed into law last month is critical for …

The average student debt load of a Michigan graduate is a little more than $30,000. (Adobe Stock)

Ed. Department to Streamline Student-Loan Forgiveness for Public Servants

LANSING, Mich. -- An overhaul of the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program could bring relief to more than 550,000 student-loan borrowers …

Less than 15% of Michigan students had been tested for a sexually transmitted infection other than HIV in the last year, according to CDC surveys. (Adobe Stock)

MI Youth Groups Urge Inclusive Sex-Ed Curricula

LANSING, Mich. - Youth advocates for comprehensive sexual education are urging school districts to adopt curricula that use inclusive and …

Advocates are calling on state lawmakers to adopt a weighted school funding formula, so more equitable funding goes to needier communities. (ProStock/Adobestock)

Report: MI in Middle of the Pack for Kids' Care

LANSING, Mich. - Michigan ranked 28th in the country for overall child well-being and 41st in education as of 2019, according to a new report…

More than 20 state legislatures, including Michigan's, are considering trans sports bans. (Adobe Stock)

It's a Full-Court Press for Opponents of MI Trans Sports Ban

LANSING, Mich. - Opponents of Michigan's proposed trans sports ban are working to educate people about what they see as its dangers. Senate Bill 218…

The state of Michigan is aiming to increase the number of residents with a college degree or credential to 60% by 2030. (Gorodenkoff/Adobe Stock)

Thousands of Michigan Students Could Be Eligible for College Incentive Program

DETROIT - As many as 100,000 low-income Michiganders could be eligible for the state's Tuition Incentive Program, or "TIP," but are not enrolled …

A higher percentage of students at for-profit colleges are saddled by debt after graduation than those who go to a community college or public university. (Adobe Stock)

Research Reveals "Troubling" Practices at Michigan For-Profit Colleges

LANSING, Mich. -- New research reveals some policies and behaviors referred to as "predatory" by for-profit colleges in Michigan. Peter Ruark…

Dyslexia is characterized by difficulties with accurate word recognition and poor decoding abilities. (Adobe Stock)

Michigan Bills Aim to Crack Code on Dyslexia

LANSING, Mich. -- It's estimated that at least 108,000 Michigan children have dyslexia, and there's a new effort to help these students learn how to …

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MI: Education