Saying she was ‘appalled’ by the possible closure of an Ottawa County library, romance novelist Nora Roberts steps in with a $50,000 donation and a willingness to send more. Donations now exceed next year’s budget shortfall for the library.
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.
Posted inTalent & Education
After student loan relief, here are 4 more ways to cut Michigan college debt
Michigan students leave college with more debt than the U.S. average. Experts have suggestions for ways to lessen the load.
Posted inTalent & Education
5 policies affecting Michigan schools, cafeterias and buses this year
As classes begin for the fall, new state policies reflect the push to get more trained teachers in classrooms, more food in school cafeterias and safer conditions on school buses.
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Biden student loan forgiveness plan: What it means for Michigan
Michigan has about 1.4 million student loan borrowers. Borrowers with federal loans who have incomes below $125,000 will get up $10,000 in loans canceled; up to $20,000 if they had Pell Grants.
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MI community colleges ditching remedial courses to keep students enrolled
Remedial courses are one of the main reasons vulnerable students drop out. The courses cost money and provide students with no credit toward graduation, discouraging many students from completing their degrees.
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New program hopes to build racial diversity in Michigan microbreweries
The Nain Rouge brewery recently opened in Midtown with a couple of goals in mind — training students and diversifying the craft industry. The brewery collaborated with EMU and Midtown Detroit Inc. to see the first group of students through to graduation.
Posted inTalent & Education
Whitmer seeks replacement for embattled Michigan school board member
Jason Strayhorn, a former Michigan State football standout, said he resigned and relocated because of his children’s out-of-state athletic and academic opportunities.
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Michigan’s student safety hotline saw 67 percent spike in tips last year
Tips about planned school attacks rolled in after the Oxford High School shooting. But the OK2SAY confidential tip line also allowed officials help students in distress, including those who were suicidal.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan teacher retirements appear level, despite fear of huge exodus
Detroit public schools are fully staffed and the volume of statewide teacher retirements — an imperfect barometer — is steady compared to years past. Challenges remain in Grand Rapids and some rural districts, but there is reason for optimism.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan fast-tracks teaching as second career, but questions about rigor
Michigan now has 10 alternative certification programs, intended to help reduce a shortage of classroom teachers by finding candidates outside traditional college education programs. Critics worry they compromise teaching standards, shortchanging students.