Features

Longform A gathering for Michigan State University's Generations Connect program, which matches MSU undergraduate students with elders in the community, at the East Lansing Public Library.

Michigan universities join global "age-friendly" movement, making campuses more welcoming to elders

As Michigan prepares for rapid growth in its population of older adults, three Michigan universities have joined a global movement to make higher education institutions more "age-friendly."

Longform Michigan Works! Southeast Executive Director Shamar Heron.

Workers get free tools, uniforms, and more through state program and Michigan Works! Southeast

Barrier Removal and Employment Success funding has gone toward assisting people with purchasing work items, tools, and transportation, along with providing emergency resources to job seekers.

Longform Kate Mehuron, Emma Wuetrich, and Dennis O'Grady at EMU's Student Center.

EMU LGBT Resource Center celebrates 30th anniversary with look back at center's historical impact

Eastern Michigan University’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Resource Center has had significant impact on both the EMU and Ypsilanti communities.

Longform Dave Strenski in front of the Elijah McCoy plaque in Library Park.

From long underwear to gunshot detection, Ypsi inventors have racked up patents for 150 years

Ypsi and Ypsi Township inventors have received over 1,200 patents, with some of the oldest dating back to the mid-1800s.

Longform Ann Arbor Student Building Industry Program students working on a house on Sedgewood Lane in Ann Arbor..

Washtenaw County schools explore consolidating career technical education for consistency and equity

No Washtenaw County student has access to all 60 of the county's CTE offerings. That could change, though, as school officials explore ways to consolidate CTE offerings.

Partner Content Vector Business Consulting CEO and founder Duane Pittman.

Small business 101: Finding funding beyond bank loans for your business

Local experts say that not being able to "break the bank" won’t necessarily make or break your business. 

Feature Story Proof and Eminem photographed by Doug Coombe in 1999.

30 years of Southeast Michigan music history spotlighted in exhibit of Ann Arbor photographer's work

Ann Arbor-based photographer Doug Coombe calls a new exhibition of his work "a love letter to the many amazing music communities … of Southeastern Michigan."

Innovation News Plantings on a formerly vacant lot in Flint.

U-M to continue research on vacant land reuse in Flint with federal funding renewal

The University of Michigan’s Prevention Research Center of Michigan has received $5 million in renewed funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to continue its community-based research, focused primarily on Flint, through 2029.

Longform The students currently taking U-M School of Public Health course, Chatgpt/AI and Public Health.

Public health and AI: Great potential and a need for ethical policies

When applying AI to public health, great potentials exist for swifter, nimbler care and pin-pointed personalization. Its use also could exacerbate biases and the misuse of private information.  

Partner Content Elisabeth Berry and James D'Arcy

Legacy Society will sustain Autism Alliance of Michigan’s work for decades to come

AAoM is establishing its Legacy Society to recognize donors today for gifts that will provide dollars in perpetuity.

Innovation News Wheel the World's logo. The travel website for travelers with disabilities recently recognized the Ann Arbor area for its accessibility.

Ann Arbor area recognized for accessibility for travelers with disabilities

The Ann Arbor area is the first community in Michigan to receive verification from an online travel platform that exclusively promotes accessibility in travel for individuals with physical, cognitive, and invisible disabilities.

Innovation News Wilson Marine Brighton apprentice Adam Tobkin.

Free event to offer employers introduction to creating registered apprenticeships

As part of National Apprenticeship Week, Michigan Works! Southeast is inviting area employers to a free event in Ann Arbor that will cover the basics of creating a registered apprenticeship program.

Innovation News EMU President James Smith and "Thankful For You" event planning committee member Connie Ruhl-Smith at last year's drive-through Thanksgiving meal giveaway.

EMU to offer drive-through Thanksgiving meal giveaway for third year

Organizers hope to feed 500 Ypsilanti community members in Eastern Michigan University’s third annual "Thankful For You" drive-through Thanksgiving meal giveaway on Nov. 21. 

Longform Kerrytown.

New nonprofit aims to build unity among Ann Arbor's business districts

Ann Arbor’s State Street District recently announced the launch of the Downtown Ann Arbor Partnership, which is committed to community development and inclusivity across Ann Arbor's downtown spaces.

Innovation News A vendor at last year's Holiday Art Fair at Riverside Arts Center in Ypsilanti.

Holiday art fair to return to Ypsi's Riverside Arts Center

Riverside Arts Center will host its second annual Holiday Art Fair Nov. 23-24, featuring local crafters and artisans with handmade goods for sale. 

Innovation News Washtenaw County logo

Washtenaw County receives $4.3m federal grant to address youth homelessness

Washtenaw County was recently awarded a "pivotal" $4.3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program.

Innovation News WCC teacher candidate Sierra Pauley.

New WCC program offers financial assistance and apprenticeships for future teachers

Those considering a teaching career could have their college tuition and fees paid for through a new Washtenaw Community College program designed to address Michigan's educator shortage.

Feature Story Rashard Dobbins leads Class Act Detroit

From Episcopal Church to House of Hip-Hop: Class Act Detroit inspires young people through the artsNonprofit Journal Project

Rashard Dobbins, founder of arts organization Class Act Detroit, tells youth they don't have to be an DJ, muralist or dancer. He would be delighted if they became a nurse who does murals or a preacher that raps.

Longform Groundbreaking at the future Eastern Washtenaw Community and Recreation Center.

Community center coming to site of former Ypsi Township school

The former Cheney Elementary School was recently sold and is being demolished to make way for the future Eastern Washtenaw Community and Recreation Center.

Development News 114 W. Michigan Ave., pictured at center, in downtown Ypsilanti.

Local company hopes to "preserve the spirit" of downtown Ypsi with Michigan Ave. acquisition

Ypsilanti-based residential real estate company Yarrow hopes to uplift local business in downtown Ypsilanti with its recent purchase of 114 W. Michigan Ave.

Hasini and Harshini Anand are members of Corner Health Center's Youth Leadership Council and mental health advocates.

 


   Voices of Youth
Concentrate's Voices of Youth series features content created by Washtenaw County youth in partnership with Concentrate mentors, as well as feature stories by adult writers that examine issues of importance to local youth. Click here for a full list of the latest content from this series.