What’s new at Growing Hope
It's been a busy year for the nonprofit, with expansions of existing programs, farm updates and renovations, and several awards for the organization.
On the Ground
On the Ground Ypsilanti helps to tell the story of the people, projects, and innovations that are creating “what’s next” for the city and township of Ypsilanti. 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 community vitality and prosperity. The concept of On the Ground is to use an “embedded journalism” model, hiring Ypsi residents to report on their community.
On the Ground has been embedded in the city of Ypsilanti since July 2017. It is supported by Ann Arbor SPARK, the Center for Health and Research Transformation, Destination Ann Arbor, Eastern Michigan University, Engage @ EMU, Washtenaw Community College, Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission, and Washtenaw ISD.
To learn more about On the Ground program, click here.
Beyond the books: How Toyota and the Ypsi District Library are opening doors to STEM
Since its partnership with the Ypsi District Library began in 2023, Toyota has provided $30,000 annually to expand programming, purchase educational equipment, and introduce young people to STEM professionals.
Ypsi Community Schools join statewide ‘Be a Buddy, Not a Bully’ campaign
For Bullying Prevention Month, Ypsi Community Schools is joining a statewide effort to encourage kindness, inclusion, and safer learning environments through the “Be a Buddy, Not a Bully” campaign.
Ypsi Community Schools and Lincoln Consolidated Schools collaborate on learning initiative
The 3P Champions Collaborative Learning Initiative aims to develop a curriculum focused on STEM and experiential learning–and to pair teachers with “champions” experienced in the new approach. Students in pre-K–12 classrooms have been delving into hands-on, project-based learning while their teachers see increased support and leadership.
Washtenaw My Brother’s Keeper hosts annual gala on Sunday
The nonprofit's fourth annual gala will be held Sunday, Oct. 18, at EMU's Student Center Ballroom, with the theme Keepers & Kicks.
Ypsi officials and activists prepare for climate emergency
As extreme heat, wildfire smoke, and power outages become more and more prevalent in Washtenaw County, a growing network of local officials, health professionals, and community organizers is working to help Ypsilanti residents do more than simply weather the next emergency.
Grizzly Learning Camp offers free, hands-on learning for all Ypsi Community Schools students
At GLC, students spend their summers building robots, designing escape rooms, learning to fish, and visiting local college campuses all while working with teachers, university students, and mentors.
Ypsilanti Heritage Foundation hosts 44th annual tour of historic homes
From noon to 5 p.m. on Oct. 4, residents and visitors are invited to join the Ypsilanti Heritage Foundation's 44th annual historic home tour, which includes six historic homes in Ypsi's Southside neighborhood.
Ypsi resident develops app to help delivery drivers share info
Courier Mates is a web-based application designed to help app-based delivery drivers track and share information about delivery locations with other drivers.
New Ypsi farmers and gardeners added to library’s oral history project
The newest expansion of the Ypsi Farmers & Gardeners Oral History Project adds 12 narrators' reflections on growing food, family, culture, and community in Ypsi.
