Michigan has the highest rate of chronic absenteeism in the Midwest. In rural southwest Michigan, districts are using research-backed tactics to get kids in class.
Talent & Education
To prosper, Michigan must be a more educated place. Bridge will explore the challenges in education and identify policies and initiatives that address them.
As Michigan falls further behind, some ask: Time to overhaul high school?
With college readiness low and absenteeism high, education groups say Michigan is overdue for a change in high school graduation standards
U-M shifts funding from DEI into its free tuition program, Go Blue Guarantee
The millions of dollars the University of Michigan had been spending on its diversity equity and inclusion initiative have helped expand a free-tuition program to thousands more students.
The rise and fall of DEI at University of Michigan
How a viral social media post sparked the creation of a sweeping diversity effort.
After DEI shutdown, U-M under pressure to rebuild diversity programs
Black students lament loss of programs, access, saying ‘we’ve not really been heard.’ But critics say the university simply repackaged its DEI programs after Trump’s threat to cut off funding.
Detroit schools have new tool in enrollment fight: social media influencers
The strategy to hire 23 students to share positive messaging about the district is the latest in an ongoing battle to grow enrollment.
Four things Michiganders should know about federal student loan changes
Federal student loans are getting a shake up with new borrowing limits and repayment rules. Here’s what to know.
US Education Secretary McMahon urges Whitmer to join schools tax credit plan
US Education Secretary Linda McMahon said Michigan should join 27 other states in a program that lets taxpayers pour money into scholarships for students to attend public or private schools.
Watch: Schools, literacy in focus as Bridge Listens joins WJR
Readers have spoken and education is a top concern in the 2026 election. In the first of a regular collaboration, Bridge Michigan joined WJR’s Kevin Dietz to discuss school funding, local control and unions.
Michigan pits small, big schools for funding. It’s an unfair fight, leaders say
Michigan increasingly requires schools to apply for grants to fund special programs like career tech. That may disadvantage small schools, where superintendents complete applications between plowing school and substitute teaching.