On the Ground

On the Ground helps to tell the story of the people, projects, and innovations that are creating “what’s next” for communities. The intended impact is for “solutions-oriented” media coverage, engagement, and ultimately understanding of the community, resulting in awareness and investments that can contribute to the vitality and prosperity of the district covered.

The concept of On the Ground is to use an “embedded journalism” model to maintain a presence in a specific community. During this time the publication focuses weekly coverage on those neighborhoods to tell the story of the people, organizations, and businesses working and living there.

On the Ground has been embedded in the city of Ypsilanti since July 2017.

On the Ground is supported by Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission, Washtenaw Community College, Destination Ann Arbor, Eastern Michigan University, Ann Arbor SPARK, Washtenaw ISD, and Center for Health and Research Transformation.

To learn more about On the Ground program, click here.

Electric vehicle chargers at the Ypsilanti Performance Space.

Ypsi venue opens solar-powered electric vehicle chargers for free use

Prompted in part by neighborhood power outages, the Ypsilanti Performance Space recently began operating four solar-powered electric vehicle chargers.

Lindsay Jenkins with clothing from her LYNZI brand.
EMU fashion student wins scholarship established by iconic designer Virgil Abloh

Lindsay Jenkins, an Eastern Michigan University student majoring in fashion marketing innovation, was one of 60 recipients of a $10,000 college scholarship from the Virgil Abloh “Post⁠-⁠Modern” Scholarship Fund this year.

Ambassadors for the Healing Brothers United mental health program meet at Packard Health's Carpenter Road location in Ypsilanti.
“It’s okay to get help”: New program offers mental health support for Black men and boys in Ypsi and Ann Arbor

Packard Health's new Healing Brothers United program will soon launch a variety of mental health services aimed at local Black men and boys.

Ypsilanti middle school students visit Coleman A. Young International Airport.
Ypsi middle schoolers explore future careers through hands-on pilot program

The "From Curiosity to Career" program gives students exposure to careers in advanced manufacturing, aerospace, mobility, robotics, and engineering.

Downtown Ypsilanti.
Ypsi selected to join downtown revitalization program with emphasis on small manufacturers

Ypsilanti is one of six communities participating in Recast City’s Recast Leaders program, which is focused on strengthening local economies through small-scale manufacturing and product-based businesses. 

Ypsilanti International Elementary School teacher Gary Quann and Ypsilanti Future History project leader Nick Azzaro (adults in back row) with Quann's class, wearing masks they made in response to the history of an underground venue in Ypsilanti.
Students respond to Ypsi history through art in “Ypsilanti Future History” project

Ypsilanti Community Schools students at all grade levels are learning about Ypsilanti's history and making art about it in a project called Ypsilanti Future History.

The Celebration of Girls and Women in Sports in Ypsilanti.
Ypsi event to celebrate women and girls in sports with youth sports clinic, panels, and more

The event will feature an educational panel, a youth sports clinic, and the opportunity to cheer on the Eastern Michigan University Eagles at a basketball game, followed by post-game autographs and photos.

Art featured at the fourth annual Black Artist Exhibit at Riverside Arts Center in Ypsilanti.
Black artists spotlighted in annual art show at Ypsi’s Riverside Art Center

Riverside Arts Center, 76 N Huron St. in Ypsilanti, is currently hosting its fourth annual Black Artist Exhibit in cooperation with the African American Cultural and Historical Museum of Washtenaw County.

Former White House Press Secretary Karine Jeanne-Pierre speaks at Eastern Michigan University for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
EMU MLK week activities feature former White House press secretary, nonprofit networking, and more

Eastern Michigan University kicked off a weeklong series of Martin Luther King Jr. Day events Jan. 19, with offerings ranging from an appearance by a former White House press secretary to a nonprofit networking session.

The Alpha House East family shelter in Ypsilanti.
“It all feels miraculous”: New family shelter in Ypsi addresses growing need for emergency housing

Alpha House East offers 30 individual housing units where families can stabilize, regroup, and begin the process of moving toward permanent housing. 

Our Partners

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