Features

Longform EMU aviation program coordinator Jerard Delaney with a new flight simulator.

EMU improves student opportunities through community and industry partnerships

EMU's recent collaborations include efforts to help frontline workers earn degrees, get seniors connected to technology, and provide more opportunities for aviation students.

Innovation News Ann Arbor's Main Street in 1874.

Ann Arbor District Library announces major project to celebrate Ann Arbor's bicentennial

Over the course of the city's bicentennial in 2024, the library will release 200 pieces of content focused on the city's history, including articles, documentaries, podcasts, illustrations, musical recordings, and animations.

Innovation News HighScope President Dr. Alejandra Barraza.

Ypsilanti's HighScope Educational Research Foundation adds partners, more students this school year

Although it closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, HighScope's demonstration preschool is coming back this fall stronger than before due to a partnership with Ann Arbor-based Gretchen's House.

Innovation News SPARK logo

High-speed internet between Ann Arbor and Ypsi will get a major boost through new $3 million project

Thanks to a $2.4 million federal grant to Ann Arbor SPARK, 20 miles of underground fiber optic cable will be built between Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti's downtowns. 

Longform John E Lawrence.

Ann Arbor and Ypsi arts venues gear up for return to in-person events

We checked in with several arts presenters in Washtenaw County to hear about their respective plans to return to something more like "normal."

Longform Star Studio by Angel owner Angel Vanas.

A pandemic can't stop Ypsi's vibrant hair artist community

From a Depot Town boutique owner who manages a salon hidden behind a fake bookcase to stalwart stylists working out of their own homes, Ypsilanti's hair artists are a diverse bunch.

Innovation News The Manning-Render family, owners of Booksweet, from left to right: Raymond [they/them], Shaun [he/him], and Truly [she/her].

New owners take on a beloved bookstore on Ann Arbor's North Side

North Side residents Truly Render and Shaun Manning will open Booksweet in the former Bookbound space with a "soft launch" on Aug. 6, and a community open house to follow on Aug. 12.

Innovation News A solstice event at North Star Reach in 2019.

Grant allows Pinckney camp for youth with serious illnesses to offer year-round remote programming

North Star Reach has been awarded a $56,380 grant from Generator Z, a teen-led ideas lab launched by the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation in 2020.

Innovation News A graphic representing the categories of proposed investments under the Washtenaw County Rescue Plan.

Washtenaw County may fund these projects with its $71 million in American Rescue Plan money

The Washtenaw County Rescue Plan is designed to help the community recover from the impacts of COVID-19 and create a more equitable future, leveraging federal and other funding for a total investment of approximately $100 million.

Innovation News YMOW client Marilyn with her dogs, Trixie and Lacey.

Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels offers grooming, vet care for clients' pets through new grant

Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels has been providing pet food and cat litter to its clients for years, but thanks to a recent grant of $13,540, it will be able to offer veterinary care and grooming for clients' pets as well.

Longform Mount Magna at Holly Oaks ORV Park in Holly.

The DNR turns 100 this year. Here's how it's shaped Southeast Michigan's natural areas.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has created, managed, or otherwise supported numerous natural areas in Southeast Michigan over the past century. Here's a look back at the agency's role in the region, and where it may be headed next.

Longform Dr. Angie Williams-Chehmani.

"Mom-preneurs": Ypsi women balance small businesses with motherhood

We chatted with several women in the greater Ypsilanti area who are juggling motherhood and running a business.

Partner Content F-2-2

Here’s how sustainability plays a key role in the way this Detroit furniture maker does businessModel D Explorer Series

“What we need is high quality furniture that's not going to go out of style or break down. Furniture that can potentially be modular, to move with you and adapt to your lifestyle over time. That's really what we're after,” says Aaron Turk, senior vice president of operations and corporate development at Floyd.

Innovation News We Love You Beer Fest logo

Ypsi pub crawl aims to support local businesses in absence of Summer Beer Fest

The "We Love You Beer Fest" Pub Crawl will take place from 5-9 p.m. on July 23 at several Ypsilanti bars.

Longform Ayesha Nadeem.

YDL's Teen Advisory Group wins $24,000 grant to expand teen subscription pack program

Group members had already been creating packets of free take-home activities and conversational ice-breakers since January. Now they're planning to expand the program, reach more teens, and provide paid internships.

Longform Chelsea Hohn at Cahoots.

Diversity and inclusion scholarship aims to foster sense of belonging in Ann Arbor tech industry

Ann Arbor tech coworking space Cahoots is offering six months of free full-time workspace, plus other amenities, to applicants who are underrepresented in the tech industry.

Innovation News The Rutherford Pilsner.

Ypsilanti's 734 Brewing honors Rutherford Pool founder with new beer and fundraiser

The brewery's series of beers – and accompanying fundraisers – honoring local community figures is back.

Innovation News Emily Heintz interviews April Anderson, owner of Good Cakes and Bakes, on The Cackle.

Ann Arbor livestream series seeks to highlight businesses that served community during COVID

Through a special edition of its livestream series, The Cackle, Ann Arbor entrepreneurial research nonprofit EntryPoint will put the spotlight on Midwest businesses that have been supporting their communities during the year of COVID-19.

Innovation News A Smooj hard seltzer smoothie.

Ann Arbor brewery draws national attention with hard seltzer smoothie

The popular hard seltzer smoothie Smooj got its start at an Ann Arbor brewery that was looking to diversify its product line during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Longform Moudou Baqui of Decriminalize Nature Detroit.

Opening minds: How psychedelic medicine is catching on in Southeast Michigan

As public perception of substances like psilocybin and ketamine changes, advocates hope to see safe, well-educated, and legal use of psychedelics continue to grow in our area.

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.