Many high school students are choosing to forgo college, even as the state is rolling out scholarship and free-tuition programs to make higher education more affordable. Filling out a free financial aid form is the best way to determine the true cost of college.
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 inTalent & Education
Michigan Democrats’ big education priority: Reform or kill read-or-flunk law
Proponents of third grade reading law say it helps keep schools accountable. Opponents holding students back is no solution.
Posted inTalent & Education
Judge: Teachers aren’t subject to Michigan records law
A judge sides with Rochester Community Schools District in a case that involved materials for an ethnic and gender studies course but could have broader implications.
Posted inTalent & Education
Whitmer’s school parent council: Public service, public relations, or both?
While running for re-election, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer created a parents’ council. Now, the group has issued vague recommendations for Michigan schools that haven’t dampened criticism about the council from Republicans.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan schools race to increase safety through high tech, mental health
Michigan superintendents are trying to balance physical technology to secure schools, with building stronger mental health supports for students. They say school safety continues to be something they want to improve.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan student loan borrowers will have more time before payments resume
Federal student loan borrowers have not been required to make payments on their loans since spring 2020 and had anticipated having to restart payments in January. Now, they’ll have more time, though it’s unclear how long.
Posted inTalent & Education
New U-M president Ono lays out climate change, diversity and staffing goals
Santa Ono outlined a host of progressive priorities he hopes to pursue at the University of Michigan, including a $300 million investment in “socially responsible” companies.
Posted inTalent & Education
Dearborn removes two books from school library after parent pressure
The school board had been under months of pressure from a raucous group of parents and activists to remove books with LGBTQ, sexual, or sexual violence themes. Other books are still under review.
Posted inTalent & Education
Analysis: Parents rights school board campaigns lost most Michigan races
From the governor’s race to local school boards, the ‘parental rights’ movement has dominated debates on education policy this election year. But movement-backed candidates had limited success Tuesday in local school board elections.
Posted inTalent & Education
Democrats sweep Michigan Board of Education and MSU, UM, Wayne State races
Republicans framed the education debate in Michigan this year on culture war issues including transgender inclusion, diversity and critical race theory. But in statewide races, it was Democrats who emerged victorious.