LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) recently joined Eastern Michigan University’s (EMU) Bright Futures program to celebrate a $3.75 million, five-year investment through the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) Grant program. The Fall in Love with Bright Futures celebration showcased how this investment is expanding after-school learning and enrichment opportunities for students across the Wayne-Westland Community School District (WWCSD).
“21st Century Community Learning Centers provide essential supports to Michigan students during their most critical years of development,” said Rawlan Lillard II, deputy director of MiLEAP’s Office of Education Partnerships. “When communities, schools, and partners like EMU Bright Futures come together, students get the type of support that changes their confidence and their academic path. This funding is helping more than 900 young people access safe, engaging, and high-quality learning experiences after school while giving families a reliable place where their children can grow and thrive.”
Coordinated through EMU’s Institute for the Study of Children, Families, and Communities, Bright Futures operates 22 programs across Wayne-Westland, Ypsilanti, and Romulus, serving more than 920 students throughout the school year and summer. The programs provide academic enrichment, mentoring and social-emotional learning supports to help students succeed in and beyond the classroom.
“We are thrilled to celebrate our students and families and to highlight the incredible work happening across all of our Bright Futures sites,” said Dr. Suzie Staley, project director for 21st CCLC Bright Futures at Engage@EMU. “This investment allows us to expand innovative, hands-on learning experiences, strengthen mentoring relationships, and build environments where young people feel supported, inspired and excited to learn.”
During the event, families had an opportunity to explore a range of hands-on learning stations hosted by EMU Bright Futures program leaders from all 12 WWCSD sites. Activities included STEM challenges, sensory activities, creative arts projects, and themed engagement tables designed to showcase what students experience daily in their after-school programs.
Investments in programs like EMU Bright Futures reflect Michigan’s broader commitment to expanding access to high-quality programs that support working families and help equip more Michiganders with the academic, social, emotional and real-world skills they need to thrive.
For more information about the Michigan 21st CCLC Program and other Out-of-School Time resources, visit MiLEAP’s Education Partnerships webpage.
