Innovation News

Native American Education Program builds bridges with students, families, and community

West Michigan’s only school-based program serving Native American children, Grand Rapids Public School Native American Education program supports students in achieving “gakina agegoo ji-ni-minoowazhiwebag,” a balanced and productive future. 

Latest in Innovation News
Local training program prepares refugee childcare providers for economic resiliency, independence

What started as a small business incubator to support the refugee community in West Michigan has become a lifeline for childcare providers and parents during COVID-19.

Local coalition focused on substance use prevention keeps youth engaged with virtual experiences

A local youth coalition is staying engaged and motivated to live Above the Influence of substance use and abuse during the COVID-19 quarantine.

Meaningful involvement: Local grassroot organizations collaborate around environmental justice

C4 intends to provide resources for grassroots to help ensure equitable environmental outcomes for communities throughout Grand Rapids.

New track for teens debuts during City of Grand Rapids 6th annual Neighborhood Summit

Grand Rapids Neighborhood Summit expands its efforts to elevate all voices in the City with a new program track for teens.

Space and opportunity: West Michigan’s collaborative environment is helping small businesses expand

West Michigan's collaborative environment is creating a culture of innovation by which small business owners can connect and form strategic partnerships to help one another expand and grow.

Linking early literacy and health: Lakeshore healthcare collaborative expands in Kent County

Ready for School is expanding its Reach Out and Read healthcare collaborative in Kent County with the help of funds awarded through a new round of millage funding.

Local creatives leverage virtual reality tech to help curb violence in Grand Rapids communities

Silence Violence Project is made possible by the collaboration of creatives and community connectors and aims to stimulate real-time outcomes to de-violence inner-city communities using a collective of socialized workshop experiences.

New MI law protects licensed professional counselors’ ability to diagnose and treat mental disorders

Effective January 27, it will be legal for licensed professional counselors to diagnose and treat mental disorders. 

Ottawa County’s diversity forum brought in top DEI leaders, reminded – “equity work is for everyone”

Michigan’s top diversity, equity, and inclusion leaders took center stage at Ottawa County’s fourth annual diversity forum held November 15; its first since hiring Robyn Afrik as the county’s first DEI director. This year’s forum highlighted that diversity, equity, and inclusion work is for everyone.

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