Features

Development News Blake Transit Center in Ann Arbor.

Transit and pedestrian improvements in Ann Arbor receive $400,000 in state grants

The state of Michigan has awarded a total of $400,000 in grants to support transit- and pedestrian-oriented improvements on Fourth Avenue in Ann Arbor near Blake Transit Center. 

Innovation News A young person writes at a Dzanc House workshop.

Ann Arbor publisher prints young people's work through free workshop series

Local youth will see the fruits of their literary efforts in print soon, thanks to Ann Arbor-based publisher Dzanc Books.

Feature Story A poster for GIG - The Art of Michigan Music.

Visual artists of Michigan's music scene to be featured in upcoming festival

The inaugural GIG - The Art of Michigan Music Festival will offer an art exhibit highlighting the work of graphic designers and photographers, live musical performances, and an immersive look at the visual side of Michigan’s music culture.

Longform University of Michigan Professor Ashley Lucas.

U-M Arts Initiative funds and connects arts programs inside and outside university

The Arts Initiative aims to strengthen partnerships between existing U-M arts organizations and organizations outside the university, as well as provide funding and other forms of support for arts programming in the Ann Arbor area.

Longform SHINE team members Willie Percy, Louis Printup, Leroy Harris and Eric Martin cleaning on Ecorse Road.

Returning citizens find jobs, support, occupational therapy through Ypsi nonprofit

Life After Incarceration: Transition and Reentry (LAITR) offers life-changing resources for formerly incarcerated people.

Longform Youth Art Gallery Executive Director T'Onna Clemons in front of the Youth Art Gallery mural at Community Auto Wash.

How ARPA funds helped Washtenaw County artists survive the COVID-19 pandemic

In April 2022, the city of Ann Arbor allocated $500,000 in relief for artists and arts organizations. Here are three of their stories.

Innovation News People coworking at BrightWorks' Forest Cove location.

Two new coworking spaces open in Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor commercial real estate company Oxford Companies recently announced the opening of BrightWorks Coworking.

Innovation News A flyer for the upcoming homebuyers' summit.

Upcoming homebuyer's summit aims to make homeownership accessible to all

The event, sponsored by the Ann Arbor Housing Commission, is aimed at people who receive Section 8 housing vouchers in Washtenaw County but is open to the general public too. 

Innovation News The State of Health symposium at Washtenaw Community College.

Event examines the "State of Health" in Washtenaw County

More than 150 community members came together to address Washtenaw County's public health strategies at the second annual State of Health symposium Oct. 28.

Feature Story MCREST women and children's shelter entrance

Macomb County shelter offers pathway to stability for homeless women and their childrenNonprofit Journal Project

Since 1988, MCREST has connected the homeless population of Macomb County with a network of volunteer churches that temporarily house them. In 2022, MCREST completed its first fixed shelter. Two employees discuss the shelter’s impact.

Longform Jae Gerhart, manager of farm programs for Trinity Health Ann Arbor, at The Farm at Trinity Health in Ypsilanti. The Farm offers a produce prescription program for those who struggle to afford healthy food.

Medicaid funding could expand and sustain Michigan's produce prescription programs

Michigan is seeking approval for a new funding structure that could use Medicaid dollars to pay for programs that offer "prescriptions" for free fresh fruits and vegetables.

Longform A rendering of SouthTown.

New Ann Arbor development aims to set an example for eco-friendly living

A mixed-use housing complex called SouthTown will not only add 216 new apartments to Ann Arbor's housing stock, but will be built and operate in an eco-friendly way.

Longform WIHI student advisers for Corner Obinna Okammor, Nome Berman, Hasini Anand, Nadav Dueber, and Charlotte Stone.

Corner Health Center, Ypsi schools partner to expand student mental health services

The Corner Health Center has deployed a nurse and a social worker to provide services through a new wellness center at Washtenaw International High School and Washtenaw International Middle Academy.

Feature Story Violin student

Voices of Youth: Music education is pricey, but this Ann Arbor school is making it more accessible

In this installment of our Voices of Youth series, student writer Tova Weiss examines the issue of accessibility in high school music education.

Innovation News A Ford Mach E electric vehicle at Washtenaw Community College.

$5,000 in electric vehicle career training available through new Washtenaw County program

Washtenaw Community College in partnership with Michigan Works! Southeast is offering students new opportunities to gain skills and education for careers in mobility and electric vehicles.

Innovation News The Small Business Support website.

Free small business support available in Washtenaw County through new program

Small Business Support, a new collaborative effort among several Washtenaw County community organizations, aims to connect entrepreneurs with knowledgeable business experts who can help their businesses grow.

Innovation News A mock check representing the funds invested in My Future Fund savings accounts so far.

Washtenaw County students receive $1m in free savings accounts – and another $2m is still available

My Future Fund, a Washtenaw County-wide savings account program for students, invested $1 million in 16,000 free college and career savings accounts in its first year.

Innovation News A flyer for "The First Ever Regal Beagle Musical."

"Regal Beagle Musical" celebrates spirit and staff of beloved Ypsi dive bar

A new original musical opening next week will celebrate the empowering, creative, and countercultural energy of the Regal Beagle, a beloved Ypsi dive bar.

Longform “By working with our community and fostering dialogue about gun safety, we believe we can reduce firearm injuries and build a safer future for all.” Deanna Price

How public health focuses on gun safety and reducing firearm violence

Michigan's public health experts are working to address firearm accidents and violence through community partnerships and education programs. 

Feature Story Rick Sperling and Nafeesah Symonette co-founded Detroit Excellence in Youth Arts

Uplifting youth arts organizations through collective impact and connectionsNonprofit Journal Project

Detroit Excellence in Youth Arts levels-up arts opportunities for young artists by breaking down barriers and building up connections for the arts organizations that serve them.

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.