Features

Innovation News Members of the Desai Accelerator's new cohort.

Fashion brand, sports trick app, and more among alumni startups in new U-M accelerator cohort

The Desai Accelerator, a University of Michigan program open to early-stage alumni startups, has just announced the five companies accepted into its 2022 cohort. 

Innovation News 22aday volunteers Al "Fredo" Merritt, Wendy Hibbitts, Jon Luker, and Joe Vella.

Ypsi Township display of crosses seeks to raise awareness of veteran suicide

A grassroots group called 22aday is planting 22 crosses on the Ypsilanti Township Civic Center's lawn every day through Memorial Day to raise awareness of suicide among military veterans.

Longform Mezzo-soprano Olivia Johnson at the ÆPEX 2021 recording session at Riverside Arts Center.

New Ypsilanti festival will celebrate 20th- and 21st-century music by diverse composers

Contemporary compositions by diverse artists will take the spotlight at the inaugural ÆPEX Fest, which will take place at various Ypsi venues June 1-4.

Feature Story Meg Brennan Quartet performing at Third Place [MusicFest] in 2021.

Third Place [MusicFest] returns to unconventional Ann Arbor venues

This year's festival will bring music to unconventional spaces like Argus Farmstop, Bløm Meadworks, and Cahoots Cafe.

Development News Underground Printing co-founders Rishi Narayan and Ryan Gregg at their new facility in Ypsilanti Township.

Apparel maker Underground Printing moves from Ann Arbor to Ypsi Township, plans to add local jobs

The company tripled its available space with the move, which will bring 200 existing jobs (and more to come) to Ypsilanti Township.

Innovation News Promotional art for Stamp Out Hunger.

Stamp Out Hunger drive returns, collecting 87,000 pounds of food for Food Gatherers

The drive, which is historically Food Gatherers’ biggest of the year, is returning from a two-year hiatus enacted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Innovation News Participants at an outreach event hosted by the Coalition for Re-Envisioning Our Safety.

Washtenaw County community coalition plans to create unarmed, non-police crisis response program

Following several months of community engagement and research, the Coalition for Re-Envisioning Our Safety has announced plans to create an unarmed, non-police response program for Ann Arbor – and, eventually, all of Washtenaw County.

Innovation News ArtKits4Kids creator Mariel Gupta works on a drawing.

After winning national contest, Ann Arbor student will expand efforts to distribute art kits to kids

Mariel Gupta's aim is to increase access to art through the distribution of art kits to those who might not have access to art classes or supplies.

Longform City of Ypsilanti Project Manager Bonnie Wessler.

Here's how Ann Arbor and Ypsi are leading Michigan in pursuing climate action

A new report celebrates Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti as two of at least 16 trailblazing Michigan communities that have set goals to become carbon-neutral or to use 100% renewable energy.

Longform The AAATA Ypsilanti Transit Center.

Here's what's in store for the Ypsilanti Transit Center's planned $18 million expansion

The Ann Arbor Area Transit Authority is hoping to bring the downtown Ypsilanti facility up to snuff by razing and expanding it, as well as adding staff on site.

Innovation News Art for the Embracing Our Differences installation at Gallup Park in Ann Arbor.

Outdoor installations in Ann Arbor and Ypsi to feature local artists' meditations on diversity

Embracing Our Differences - Southeast Michigan will display 31 local adults' and students' artwork alongside nationally recognized artists at four Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti parks.

Innovation News The cast of "Spoke From the Soil."

Youth arts activists to present multi-genre production exploring residents' connection to Ypsilanti

The performance will feature 40 youth in a theatrical production that was written, in part, by the youth themselves and based on their own experiences with gentrification and housing instability.

Innovation News STEM Forward logo

STEM Forward program offers funds, seeks Michigan employers to host paid STEM internships

Ann Arbor SPARK and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation are seeking interested employers for a new paid STEM internship match program.

Longform UniteSTEM student Brooklynn Peterson.

From 3-D printing to podcast studio, Ypsi Township nonprofit offers STEM resources for youth

Whether it's creating a podcast about insects or building robots, middle and high school students can explore their interests in science, technology, engineering, and math at UniteSTEM.

Longform Maker Works Executive Director Josh Williams.

More than a maker space: How Ann Arbor's Maker Works is seeding maker spaces nationwide

Maker Works' founders say inspiring and aiding other maker spaces was a key goal since they first started discussing the idea of opening one themselves.

Innovation News CT2 ad

Job fair to feature "Careers of Today & Tomorrow" for youth and adults

Ypsilanti-based Michigan Works! Southeast will showcase career openings across the manufacturing, health sciences, construction, and energy sectors during its upcoming Careers of Today & Tomorrow job fair. 

Innovation News A promotional flyer for WAVE's partnership with MUVE.

New app offers "Uber-like" experience on Western Washtenaw public transit system

The Western-Washtenaw Area Value Express public transit system has partnered with mobility solutions company MUVE to pilot a new transportation app.

Innovation News A2Zero logo.

Ann Arbor seeks feedback on proposed community-owned sustainable energy utility

The proposed utility would supplement DTE electricity through localized solar and energy storage systems, in keeping with the city's plan for achieving carbon neutrality by 2030.

Innovation News Families had the chance to meet tarantulas and turtles, courtesy of the Creature Teacher.

Photo essay: Ypsilanti families celebrate Earth Day at Erickson Elementary

Visitors had the opportunity to take home free seed potatoes, see a beehive up close, and meet turtles and tarantulas.

Development News X

New contest for small and emerging Michigan snack makers offers $50K in cash prizes and more

“The growth of new small craft and niche snack food companies in Michigan is exciting,” says Duncan Smith, President and COO of All Star Services, Inc. “All Star Services is a growing small business and we want to help bring more focus to the growing segment of snack food companies in Michigan.”

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.