The federal government says it won’t send student financial information to colleges until March, more than a month later than expected. This means students will have to wait longer for financial aid offers.
Isabel Lohman
Isabel Lohman reports on early childhood, K-12 and higher education for Bridge Michigan, tracking how policies made in Lansing affect students and educators. She has closely reported on literacy, absenteeism and special education. Isabel was a finalist for the Society of Professional Journalists Detroit's 2026 Young Journalist of the Year award. Before joining Bridge, she covered children's issues for the Knoxville News Sentinel in Tennessee, reporting on COVID-19 in schools and communities coping with gun violence.
Isabel grew up outside of Chicago and has a bachelor's degree from the University of Missouri. She moved to Ann Arbor in 2022.
Posted inMichigan Education Watch
How Michigan schools are teaching the Israel-Hamas war (Very delicately)
For teachers and students, talking about the deadly conflict can be emotional and fraught. Teachers say they aim to provide facts and give students space to express their feelings. But they are under a microscope.
Posted inMichigan Education Watch
Whitmer to push for free community college tuition at State of the State
Costs unknown as Gov. Gretchen Whitmer widens push for free community college to all high school graduates.
Posted inMichigan Politics Watch
Whitmer State of the State 2024: Did she meet last year's goals?
As Gov. Gretchen Whitmer prepares her 2024 State of the State address, did she accomplish her 2023 goals? Bridge Michigan analyzes the success of her priorities over the last year.
Posted inMichigan Education Watch
Whitmer administration chides schools chief for sitting on literacy funds
The Whitmer administration publicly admonished State Superintendent Michael Rice for failing to distribute $140 million earmarked for teacher literacy training nearly six months after the money was awarded.
Posted inMichigan Education Watch
Northville board approves seeking funding for 2 in-school health clinics
The board voted 6-1 to seek funding. Some parents objected to the clinics because in addition to mental-health support they would offer a range of physical health services for which students may not need parental consent.
Posted inMichigan Education Watch
Michigan school closings: how superintendents make decisions on snow days
Now that Michigan’s winter is in full effect and snow storms and other severe weather events become more common, superintendents have to consider a number of things before canceling school.
Posted inMichigan Education Watch
Some Michigan parents question whether schools should have health clinics
At a board hearing in Northville, some parents objected to putting health clinics in schools, echoing concerns in other districts based in part on parental rights. Clinic supporters say the centers are critical to student health.
Posted inMichigan Education Watch
New FAFSA form: What MI students need to know about 2024-2025 application
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form helps determine whether students are eligible for college loans, scholarships and grants. A new version of the FAFSA was just unveiled. Here’s what to know.
Posted inMichigan Education Watch
Michigan needs teachers. Melvindale high school students explore the career
A high school elective is giving students an early, hands-on taste of what it’s like to lead a classroom — from managing young students to drawing up lesson plans. Michigan needs more people willing to train to be educators.
