BackPack Press

Government can feel distant when you only read about it in textbooks. But for students in Spartan Project SEARCH, a recent visit to the Michigan Capitol turned civic learning into a real-world experience. From meeting with State Senator Sarah Anthony to observing activity inside the Senate chamber, students gained a firsthand look at the many people and moving parts that help serve communities across Michigan.

For Jameson and DT, learning the ropes at Michigan State University Linen Services is about more than workplace skills. Through Spartan Project SEARCH, the interns are building confidence, strengthening leadership abilities, and helping future students take their own first steps toward success. Spartan Project SEARCH combines classroom instruction with immersive workplace internships to prepare young adults with disabilities for meaningful employment and greater independence.

Students at Heartwood School recently welcomed the Exotic Zoo for a memorable hands-on learning experience featuring animals from around the world — giving learners the opportunity to explore wildlife, habitats and animal behaviors in an interactive environment.

This Teacher Appreciation Week, Ingham County residents delivered a powerful message: supporting students means supporting the educators and learning environments that help them thrive. Voters officially approved the Ingham ISD Special Education Bond Proposal, which will fund improvements to facilities serving learners across all 12 local districts.

For many students, learning experiences extend far beyond the classroom walls.

Recently, students from the Beekman Center spent a day at Jackson® Field™ for a Lansing Lugnuts School Day experience — creating memories filled with cheering crowds, ballpark snacks, mascot visits and smiles shared with classmates and staff.

Professional learning doesn’t stop after onboarding. Recently, members of Ingham ISD’s Pupil Accounting team attended the Michigan Pupil Accounting & Attendance Association Spring Conference to strengthen knowledge, build connections and bring back insights that support schools and students across the region.

When school leaders work together, student voices grow stronger. Representatives from Clinton, Eaton, Ingham, and Shiawassee Counties recently gathered through the CARES Collaborative to meet with legislative officials and discuss education priorities, school funding, and the future of public education across the region. The CARES Collaborative—Capital Area Regional Education Strategy—was formed to strengthen regional advocacy efforts and ensure schools have a stronger, more unified voice in policy conversations.

What if learning about careers felt more like solving real-world problems? The Michigan Youth Future Flight Challenge is giving students across the state the opportunity to design sustainable flight solutions, work alongside aerospace mentors, and discover future possibilities in STEM—all while competing as part of a fun, free virtual challenge. Hosted by the Women of the Aerospace Industry Association of Michigan (WAIAM), the four-week experience helps students build skills in engineering, business, creativity, and collaboration. 

Shalonda James-Garza recently appeared on FOX 47’s Morning Blend alongside community partners to discuss why accessible mental health support in schools is critical for helping students thrive both emotionally and academically.

A two-day literacy event hosted at Michigan State University brought together educators, literacy experts and family engagement professionals from across Michigan to share research-based strategies that support children’s literacy development from birth through age 10.