Spring Lake program expands summer learning with $618K MiLEAP grant

What’s happening: The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) partnered with the Outdoor Discovery Center (ODC) Network to highlight the results of a nearly $618,000 investment in Out-of-School Time (OST) programs across West Michigan. The announcement came during ODC’s “Best of Summer” celebration at Lake Hills Elementary in Spring Lake, where more than 1,100 students ages 4 to 16 participated in nature-based camps this summer. The camps combined academic support with immersive outdoor learning to help students stay on track when school is out.

ODCOver 1,100 students ages 4–16 took part in camps blending academics and outdoor learning during the “Best of Summer” event at Lake Hills Elementary.

Why it’s important: “We’re pleased to celebrate the success of the Outdoor Discovery Center’s summer youth program and the impact it’s had on students and families across West Michigan,” says Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, director of MiLEAP. “Investments like these are critical because they ensure children continue learning and growing even when school is out. Without access to these programs, too many students fall behind. MiLEAP is committed to supporting programs that help prevent that learning decline, while sparking curiosity, building confidence, and supporting students on their lifelong education journeys.”

ODCA boy reads a book at an ODC summer program.

What this means:  ODC received $617,920 in Section 32n OST Grant funding through MiLEAP’s FY25 cycle to expand before-school, after-school, and summer programs. The funding doubled ODC’s summer reach, growing from five to 10 sites across Allegan, Ottawa and surrounding counties, while also extending services into the school year.

How it makes a difference:  Research shows students without access to summer programs can lose up to two months of academic progress, especially in math and reading, widening achievement gaps. ODC counters that loss with hands-on, nature-based learning that builds confidence, deepens environmental and academic connections, and accelerates growth.

ODCParents and students gather for ODC’s “Best of Summer” celebration at Lake Hills Elementary in Spring Lake.

What they’re saying: “Our summer camps give kids the chance to learn through adventure, with personal attention from experienced educators and all the fun that comes with ODC Network programming,” says Bob Wandel, Education Network director at ODC. “Thanks to this grant, we were able to expand access and reach even more students across West Michigan. These are investments that don’t just benefit children – they also help support families, and keep local educators employed. We’re proud to partner with MiLEAP and the many community foundations, schools, and donors who help make this work possible.”

How it happened: This summer, ODC employed more than 125 seasonal staff members, including college students studying early childhood education and furloughed school paraprofessionals. The program expects to serve more than 1,500 students and reach about 400 families during the 2025-26 school year.

ODCA girl draws at an ODC summer program.

What was the outcome: “Children are able to perform better and do more once they’ve been grounded, and nature has a remarkable ability to do that, especially for those with unique sensory needs,” says Rachel Worthington, a Grand Haven Area Public Schools educator and ODC summer tutor. “The growth we’ve seen from students throughout the Outdoor Discovery Center Network is incredible. One student who really struggles through the school year showed a 98% improvement across multiple literacy skills. That’s the power of blending direct support with the grounding nature of this camp. This is a great return on investment for kids.”

What they are saying: “Before my children came to ODC in 2019, I didn’t realize how much was happening beyond outdoor play, but I quickly came to understand the meaningful learning built into every activity,” says Chelsea Sturdivant, a Grand Haven Area Public Schools employee and ODC team member. “That experience opened the door for me to join the team. As a district employee, it’s not always easy to find work during the summer, but ODC gave me that opportunity. Now I get to see many of the same students I work with during the school year in a new light, knowing they’re growing, retaining and having this creative space to thrive.”

ODCRawlan Lillard II, deputy director at MiLEAP, speaks at ODC’s “Best of Summer” celebration as Bob Wandel, ODC education director, looks on.

What’s next: MiLEAP awarded up to $226,000 per site to organizations statewide during the FY25 cycle to expand Out-of-School Time programs. In total, $55.8 million was awarded to 169 organizations operating nearly 700 sites for youth and families across Michigan.

What will happen now: “When we talk about the value of Out-of-School Time investments, this is what we mean,” says Rawlan Lillard II, deputy director of education partnerships at MiLEAP. “ODC is helping students gain new experiences and keep learning year-round, while also strengthening the local workforce and providing resources for families. These are the kinds of programs we’re proud to support and the kind of success we want to continue to see across Michigan.”
For more information about these initiatives, visit MiLEAP’s Education Partnerships webpage at Michigan.gov/MiLEAP/Education-Partnerships.

Photos provided by ODC