Impact 30 - Charter Public Schools
For 30 years, GVSU has partnered with charter public schools to lead change in education. Through Impact 30, GVSU is advancing this work by investing in innovative, student-centered initiatives that improve learning experiences, strengthen school systems, and generate ideas others can adapt.
Grant Recipients
$30,000 Grant Level
College, Careers and Community: Socratic Methodology and Experiential Learning to Fuel Social Discourse, Engagement, and Our Mission to Prepare Students for College and Life
A partnership with the Paideia Institute brings discussion-based learning into classrooms across grades 6–12. Teachers lead structured, content-driven conversations that challenge students to think critically, listen closely, and engage with different perspectives. As students practice public discourse, they strengthen their reasoning, communication, and confidence—skills that prepare them for college, careers, and civic life.
Learn more about Black River Public School
Covenant HS Southwest Childcare for Student Parents
A dedicated childcare space supports the 15–20% of students who are parents, making it possible for them to attend school more consistently and stay on track to graduate. At the same time, their children benefit from a safe, early learning environment. The program creates stability for families while helping students build both academic momentum and parenting confidence.
Crossroads Esports & Multimedia Classroom
An Esports Lab and Multimedia Classroom creates a space where students connect through gaming, storytelling, and digital production. As students collaborate across grade levels and interests, they build skills in technology, teamwork, and communication. The program also serves as a hub for leadership and community, giving students a shared space to create and belong.
Brandon’s Courtyard: An 8th Grade Legacy Learning Space
Brandon’s Courtyard is a student-designed outdoor classroom originally imagined by a late classmate. Created in partnership with a landscape designer, this project engages eighth graders through real-world design to use their unique voices as they transform a blank greenspace into a classroom that benefits more than 500 students and families, and will serve even more as the community continues to grow.
Roots of Resilience: Outdoor Project-Based Learning to Build Healthier Futures
An outdoor learning space takes shape as middle school students design and transform a section of campus into a shared community environment. Through this hands-on process, students build collaboration, problem-solving, and resilience, with learning grounded in real-world application. The project intentionally weaves in research-based practices that support student well-being, creating a space that reflects both growth and connection.
Voices of Detroit
A student-led podcasting project creates space for young people to explore topics like wellness, substance use prevention, and leadership. As students script, record, and produce their own episodes, they build skills in communication and media while engaging in honest conversations about the challenges they face. The result is a platform that strengthens student voice and connection across the school community.
Curious Cougar's Lab
This initiative transforms an underused space into a solar-powered STEAM lab where students cook, code, create, and conserve. With a kitchenette, robotics and 3D printing stations, drones, and a greenhouse powered by real-time energy data, the lab connects everyday life to STEM learning. Students build technical skills, environmental awareness, and leadership as they design solutions and share their work with the broader community.
Learn more about Michigan Mathematics & Science Academy Lorraine
Garden and Greenhouse Integration
A student-run greenhouse takes root on campus, using soil generated from the school’s compost program to close the loop on sustainability. Students engage directly in planting, cultivation, and environmental problem-solving, connecting waste reduction to real-world agricultural practices. The project creates hands-on learning opportunities while building knowledge in STEM and sustainable systems.
UPAD HS Student-Led Design Collaborative
A student-led design collaborative brings together young designers and professional mentors to lead placemaking projects and public exhibits. Through this work, students shape their environment, engage their peers and community, and build real-world design experience that amplifies student voice and leaves a visible mark on school culture.
Empowering Student Aviators Through Discovery and Innovation
Hands-on aviation experiences—from discovery flights to glider and tow plane restoration—give students early access to the world of flight. As students build technical skills and confidence, they engage directly with both piloting and aircraft mechanics. The program opens pathways into aviation careers while grounding learning in real-world application.
$15,000 Grant Level
Student-led Podcasting
A student-led podcasting and audio production program gives teens the opportunity to explore issues that matter to them in a thoughtful and creative way. As students plan, record, and produce their own content, they build communication, technical, and media literacy skills. The program creates space for student voice while connecting learning to real-world, career-aligned experiences.
EmpowerHER: A Holistic Leadership & Wellness Initiative for Middle School Girls
EmpowerHER brings together leadership and wellness programming shaped by students and supported by local women mentors and organizations. Through peer circles, workshops, college visits, and shared experiences, students build confidence, strengthen relationships, and explore future pathways. The program blends social-emotional learning, leadership development, and career exposure to help students envision what comes next.
Art and Therapy Program in Collaboration with Meaning in Colors for Alternative High School Students
Weekly small-group art and therapy sessions create space for students to express themselves, process experiences, and build confidence. Led in partnership with the nonprofit Meaning in Colors and supported by school staff, the program combines creative practice with emotional support to help students develop self-awareness, resilience, and a stronger sense of direction.
AI Empowerment: Transforming Learning Through Ethical AI Integration
AI learning becomes part of everyday school experience through student labs, teacher innovation spaces, and family workshops. Students build digital fluency while educators and families gain tools to better understand and support emerging technology. The program creates a more connected, future-ready school community grounded in responsible and equitable AI use.
8th Grade Legacy: Detroit Prep Logo & Identity
Typically, schools design from the top down. This project flips that script, inviting students to lead vision setting on a major initiative. To celebrate Detroit Prep’s 10th anniversary, 8th graders redesign the school’s logo as their class gift. Partnering with a professional designer, students explore the school’s history, survey peers, and translate Detroit Prep’s story and values into a new visual identity. This work strengthens pride and makes student voice visible in shaping the school’s identity.
Future DJs Initiative Program
Music becomes a gateway to STEM as students explore sound, technology, and performance through DJing. Through hands-on experiences, students learn the science behind music—from acoustics to digital systems—while connecting those concepts to their own creative interests. The program makes learning relevant and engaging while helping students see themselves as creators and innovators.
Future Tech Exposure
Immersive tools like VR, interactive maps, and AI simulations open the door to global learning experiences. Students explore cultures, geography, and real-world contexts in ways that go beyond the traditional classroom. By making learning more interactive and relevant, the program strengthens engagement and deepens understanding of the world around them.
Learn More about Lincoln-King Adams-Young Academy Middle School
CYSP Global Leadership & Service Experience
Students involved in this initiative take the lead in designing and carrying out service projects, wellness initiatives, and college and career experiences. As they collaborate and engage with their communities, they build leadership, teamwork, and a stronger sense of global citizenship.
STEM Tech & Broadcast Innovation Station
A hands-on STEM and media program gives students the tools to collect, analyze, and share real-world data. Using drones, a digital weather station, and broadcast equipment, students produce reports and tell stories that connect science to everyday life. The experience builds technical skills while strengthening communication and collaboration.
The Spirit of Inclusion: The Olympics Past, Present, and Future
An interdisciplinary study of the Olympics brings together history, science, physical education, and technology to explore accessibility and inclusion. Through hands-on collaboration, students design and adapt mobility tools for children with disabilities, connecting past and present while applying their learning in meaningful ways.
$5,000 Grant Level
House Spirit Initiative: Igniting Engagement, Connection, and Participation
Cross-grade “Houses” bring students together in small, consistent groups that build relationships, encourage participation, and strengthen school culture. Through academic, service, and community-building activities, students develop leadership skills while creating a more connected and engaging school experience.
Peer Mediation Program
A peer mediation program gives students the tools to work through conflict and support one another in resolving challenges. As students take on a more active role in problem-solving, the school community benefits from stronger relationships, reduced disciplinary demands, and a more positive environment.
Career Shadow Event
A career shadow experience connects students with industry professionals, where they explore engineering and business in action. After the visit, students apply what they’ve learned by designing and marketing their own product concepts, bridging classroom learning with real-world application.
Reach 313: Building a Culture of Care and Connection
In partnership with Reach 313, students will participate in mentoring, conflict resolution, and behavior coaching designed to strengthen relationships and support well-being. The program builds a more stable and supportive school environment where students and staff feel connected and equipped to succeed.
