Features

Longform PreK for All ensures that every 4-year-old in Michigan has access to a high-quality preschool experience, regardless of income.

“A lifeline for families,” PreK for All expands access and raises expectations

Enrollment in PreK for All is now open for all families, no matter their income. The program operates across a mixed delivery system, including local school districts, public charter schools, private child care providers, Head Start programs, and community-based organizations.    

Longform Cheers to Queers founders Marisa Quiery and Danya Youssef-Agha.

Ypsi organizations rally to support LGBTQ+ community in challenging times

Ypsilanti-area organizations and community members are supporting local members of the LGBTQ+ community in a variety of ways, ranging from supportive health care to queer takeovers of public spaces.

Longform DTE workers make upgrades to power lines near Dixboro in fall 2024. The utility says it is investing $200 million in Ann Arbor's infrastructure over the next five years. But the city is pushing back against DTE's request to raise electricity rates.

Ann Arbor takes key role in pushing DTE Energy for lower rates and improved infrastructure

Over the past few years, Ann Arbor has emerged as the only municipality in Michigan to regularly and publicly push DTE Energy for more action toward carbon neutrality, affordable rates, and reliable infrastructure.

Partner Content Event helps autistic children and adults get used to the airport environment and boarding experience.

On Board for Autism: Airport simulation helps autistic kids take flight

To help autistic people and their families manage  these challenges, Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM), Delta Airlines, and the Detroit Metropolitan Airport partner to host On Board for Autism events that prepare them to successfully take a flight.

Innovation News EMU logo

Ypsi students prepare for health careers by becoming peer educators through new EMU/Toyota program

High school students from Ypsilanti Community Schools and two other southeast Michigan school districts will be trained as peer health educators, teaching others about traumatic brain injury, through a new program called Way Forward@EMU. 

Longform Homebuilding students build an entire house over the course of their school year.

In Ann Arbor schools' Homebuilding program, students build a house in a school year

Founded in 1968, the career and technical education program is intended to widen the horizons of high school education beyond the classroom for students interested in the building trades.

Feature Story Artist Bryan Pollard at Westside Art Hop.

Westside Art Hop to bring 90 artists to Ann Arbor neighborhood

Ann Arbor’s annual Westside Art Hop will again bring a plethora of artists to vend their wares from yards and driveways in the city's West Side neighborhood on June 7 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and June 8 from noon-5 p.m.

Longform Pharmacists handle cancer medications at the cancer drug repository at the Trinity Health Reichert Medical Center in Superior Township.

Ann Arbor nonprofit and Sault Tribe of Chippewa partner to redistribute unused cancer drugs for free

Last year the nonprofit YesRx received a grant to work with the tribe over a two-year period, expanding access to expensive drugs that would otherwise go to waste.

Innovation News Ann Arbor SPARK President and CEO Paul Krutko speaks at SPARK's annual meeting.

Ann Arbor SPARK annual meeting highlights economic development wins and climate change threats

The event showcased SPARK's achievements in fostering economic growth and innovation in Washtenaw County, while its keynote speaker discussed climate change's potential impact on the county's economy.

Innovation News The Ann Arbor District Library's Downtown Library.

Ann Arbor District Library to offer downtown retail spaces with rents as low as $150/month

The retail suites, dubbed Lobby Shops, will be available for a six-month lease with an option to renew for another six months. Monthly rent ranges from $100 to $250.

Longform Ryan Friedholm working in Computer Integrated Manufacturing class at Saline High School.

Saline manufacturing students create adaptive tools to help people with disabilities

Students in Trent Trout's Computer Integrated Manufacturing class at Saline High School are learning to develop innovative real-world solutions for people with disabilities. 

Longform small-judy-logan

Dental aid helps cancer patients regain health and dignity

HNC Living Foundation provides dental care, nutrition, and support to head and neck cancer patients facing financial and treatment challenges.

Longform Whitmore Lake High School student Jayden Canter.

From champion carpenter to apparel entrepreneur, Washtenaw CTE students are "powerhouse" achievers

We talked to three students in county career and technical education programs about the impact of getting ready for the professional real world through practical, hands-on learning experiences.

Longform Barbara Walters, Adam Weisman, Kasey Whitford, and Dan Johnson at Eastern Michigan University.

EMU theater students partner with Ann Arbor police to improve crisis intervention trainings

The partnership draws on expertise from EMU’s School of Social Work and Applied Drama and Theatre for the Young program to bring realism and empathy into police trainings.

Longform University of Michigan associate professor Thomas McKenney and students tour the Mark W. Barker, the first commercial vessel to be built on the Great Lakes in more than 40 years, in River Rouge.

U-M leads in national effort to revitalize U.S. shipbuilding

Spurred by China's current dominance in shipbuilding and America's reliance on foreign shipyards, the University of Michigan is leading efforts to train the needed workforce and develop a statewide maritime strategy.

Partner Content Boy in classroom

Blueprint for school funding would ensure equitable resources in special education

The MI Special Education Finance Reform Blueprint would ensure that Michigan adequately and equitably funds public special education in Michigan. 

Feature Story All Gods Children teacher

No-cost pre-K for all Michigan 4-year-olds enrolling for 2025-26 school year

QA with Jeffrey Capizzano, Policy Equity Group, on the implementation of Pre-K for All no-cost preschool for Michigan 4-year-olds.

Feature Story Nonprofit Day at the Capitol, February 2025

How Michigan nonprofits are navigating federal uncertaintyNonprofit Journal Project

Michigan nonprofits are facing uncertainty as federal funding streams fluctuate and administrative support wanes. The Michigan Nonprofit Association is helping organizations navigate this instability through advocacy, collaboration, and strategic planning.

Longform Adam Grant at A Brighter Way's future transitional house for formerly incarcerated people.

Ypsi nonprofit creates long-term transitional housing for formerly incarcerated people

Ypsilanti nonprofit A Brighter Way recently purchased a home in Ypsilanti to provide long-term transitional housing for formerly incarcerated clients, just a few blocks from the organization's office.

Feature Story This scene in "Money Over Boyz," directed by Ypsilanti couple Yolanda and Keith Ragland, takes place on the Tridge in Ypsi's Riverside Park.

Ypsi filmmaking couple's debut feature holds top 100 spot on streaming service Tubi

After finding great success releasing their debut feature film, "Money Over Boyz," on the free streaming service Tubi, Ypsilanti-based married filmmakers Keith and Yolanda Ragland are nearly ready to debut their second movie.

Hasini and Harshini Anand are members of Corner Health Center's Youth Leadership Council and mental health advocates.

 


   Voices of Youth
Concentrate's Voices of Youth series features content created by Washtenaw County youth in partnership with Concentrate mentors, as well as feature stories by adult writers that examine issues of importance to local youth. Click here for a full list of the latest content from this series.