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.
We took a look at a few of the ways the two schools engage with the Ypsi community, from programming Parkridge Community Center to offering after-school programs to providing job skills training.
Following staffing changes and a merger with another Ypsi nonprofit last year, the center has introduced a wide variety of new community-oriented programming.
The Ypsi-based agency offers employment and apprenticeship opportunities for young people interested in pursuing careers in video and content production.
Students described an empowering and inspiring experience at the screening, the result of a crowdfunding campaign that raised more than triple its $3,000 goal.
Rising for Economic Democracy in Ypsi is working to engage all interested Ypsi residents in developing a community benefits ordinance for the city.
Local musicians say affordability, sense of community, and DIY spirit are big draws – but they're in sore need of a proper venue.
Based on our unscientific study, it seems Ypsi comes in second place for the Michigan city with the most songs written about it. Here are some of our favorites.
The National Society of Black Engineers Jr. is seeking to bring home some national accolades for Ypsi, starting with building a specialized RC car for a student racing challenge.
We wrapped up the initial five-month run of On the Ground Ypsi with a panel discussion at the Ypsi Freighthouse. View the full discussion here, featuring moderator David Rutledge and panelists Decky Alexander, Bryan Foley, Mark Maynard, and Lynne Settles.
Ypsi residents have raised a whopping $670,000 through crowdfunding over the past five years, yet only 5 percent of those funds were raised by people of color.
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