After two pandemic summers of social isolation, Michigan parents want fun activities for their children that also help them build social skills. From overnight and sports camps to local programming, it’s about allowing children to be kids again.
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
Shake-up in Central Michigan University admissions after enrollment drop
As CMU works to turn around a 43-percent drop in enrollment since 2012, the director of undergraduate recruitment had his last day on April 7, the university confirmed.
Posted inTalent & Education
1-in-4 Michigan students tested through 8th grade showed no learning growth
As schools try to make up for lost classroom time during COVID, an analysis of student benchmark data shows that remote learning hurt academic growth and some students will need more targeted help to catch up.
Posted inTalent & Education
U-M, MSU thrive while Michigan regional universities scramble for students
It’s a tale of two university systems: The state’s flagship schools, along with Michigan Tech, have expanded enrollment in the past decade while 12 other public universities lost a collective 46,000 students, amid a smaller pool of high school graduates.
Posted inTalent & Education
Two Michigan educators work to keep new teachers in classrooms after COVID
Anthony Barnes and Brittney Tylenda say they know when to ask for help, but worry about their less-experienced peers who have had to learn on the fly during COVID-19
Posted inTalent & Education
Central Michigan University blames 'complacency' for enrollment dive
CMU has lost more than 11,000 students since 2012. In an internal email, the school’s head of recruitment placed blame with the administration, which she said has been outhustled by competitors for students from metro Detroit.
Posted inTalent & Education
Ferris State taps Grand Rapids Community College leader as likely new president
Referencing the popular musical “Hamilton,” Grand Rapids Community College president Bill Pink said if he is confirmed as the next president of Ferris State University, he will be in the ‘room where it happens’ to encourage more people to pursue higher education.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan GOP lawmakers advance $1,500 student grants for learning loss
Republicans say the grants would help parents to choose private academic programs to help their children catch up after COVID. Democrats are wary, saying any extra funds should go directly to schools to help struggling students.
Posted inTalent & Education
Central Michigan closes dorms as university enrollment drops
Dorm occupancy was just 63 percent this year, prompting CMU to consolidate its on-campus housing. It’s another example of the effects of waning enrollment in some of Michigan’s universities.
Posted inTalent & Education
Advocates press Michigan for $25M to open 100 school health centers
The pandemic exacerbated a slow-burning mental health crisis in Michigan’s schools. Whitmer wants to open 40 centers to help. Advocates say that’s not enough.