Summer Institute Day 2 (of 3)
Wednesday, July 29, 2026
8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Robert C. Pew Grand Rapids Campus
Alumni, Community, Faculty, Students
SUMMER INSTITUTE REGISTRATION CLOSES AT 5PM ON JULY 6, 2026
Check out our Summer Institute Webpage for more details!
Thank you for your interest in being a Groundswell Summer Institute 2026 participant!
Before you register, please note:
- Our Summer Institute has a limited capacity, so we encourage you to sign up early!
- Should you register after we have reached capacity, we will contact you to let you know that you are on a waiting list.
- If you are not familiar with place-based stewardship education (PBSE), learn more here: Place-based Education Information
If you are a community partner looking to register for Summer Institute, please contact us at [email protected] OR register through this Community Partner Registration Form
Check out our Summer Institute Webpage for more details!
Thank you for your interest in being a Groundswell Summer Institute 2026 participant!
Before you register, please note:
- Our Summer Institute has a limited capacity, so we encourage you to sign up early!
- Should you register after we have reached capacity, we will contact you to let you know that you are on a waiting list.
- If you are not familiar with place-based stewardship education (PBSE), learn more here: Place-based Education Information
If you are a community partner looking to register for Summer Institute, please contact us at [email protected] OR register through this Community Partner Registration Form
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Date: July 28, 29, and 30 2026
Time: 8:30am - 3:30pm
Primary Location: William L. Seidman Center
Grand Valley State University
50 Front Ave SW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Value: $400 ( No cost to educators and community partners who work in Kent and Ottawa Counties)
SCECHs: approximately 15-20 hours (number finalized in June 2026)
WHAT TO EXPECT
- Day 2 - Project Exploration + Civics Education: we will be exploring an active Groundswell project by CA Frost Environmental Science Academy as an example of a quality PBSE project that incorporate civics engagement. Day 2 will involve discussing this project, exploring the 6 Elements of PBSE in interactive ways, and learning more about weaving civics into an action project.
- Project work time: we will be guiding you in ideating a potential PBSE action project throughout the workshop. You could end Day 3 with a in-progress project plan that is ready to submit to Groundswell, or at least well-developed ideas of what your project could be! This will give you great momentum going into the school year.
- Grade-band cohorts: work closely with educators and partners who also teach your grade level to discuss PBSE implementation tips and tricks, outdoor content specific for your students' learning level, develop project ideas together, identify curriculum connections, and establish a mini-network of educators and partners
Civics Education Lens + Collaboration:
- A huge thank you to Michigan Center for Civic Education, who is sponsoring our Summer Institute 2026!
- Their team will be providing a civics education lens and content connections throughout the workshop. Participants will learn pathways to incorporate an optional civics action step into your Groundswell project (think engaging with local leaders and changemakers, learning more about policy that impacts stewardship, and inspiring students to make real change)!
- Their sponsorship will cover the $200 stipend for the first 40 educators to register and attend their required days. Thank you, MCCE!
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
ATTENDANCE GUIDELINES + EXPECTATIONS
"Emerging" Groundswell Teachers (folks that are newer to the Groundswell program):
- Have been involved in Groundswell for 0 to 5 years.
- You have either never attended Summer Institute, or have only attended a handful of Summer Institutes.
- You may or may not have already implemented Groundswell action projects.
- Please note that all GREEN educators are to attend all 3 days of the workshop. Attending all 3 days equates to approximately 15-20 SCECH hours! Total hours will be finalized in June.
"Seasoned" Groundswell Teachers:
- Seasoned Groundswell educators who have been leading Groundswell projects AND attending Summer Institute for at least 5 years are eligible to opt out of Day 1: PBSE 101 and only attend Days 2 + 3.
- You are more than welcome to join us regardless for Day 1 at no charge, receive that day's SCECHs, and enjoy lunch. We are making this day optional for you as you have already received extensive Groundswell training and are demonstrating quality PBSE at your schools!
- If you are one of the first 40 educators to register, you will still receive the $200 stipend if you attend Days 2 + 3 only!
- Attending Days 2+3 only equates to approximately 15+ SCECH hours! Total hours will be finalized in June.
A reminder that beginning in 2027, educators must attend Groundswell Summer Institute OR an officially approved alternate workshop every other year in order to be eligible for Groundswell funding. More information about our project requirements can be found on our website!
Questions about this new format? Not sure which group you fall into this year? Please email [email protected]
Location Information
Primary Location: William L. Seidman Center
Grand Valley State University
50 Front Ave SW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Secondary Location: CA Frost Environmental Science Academy Elementary (PK-5)
1460 Laughlin Dr. NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Contact Information
Questions? Please contact our staff at: [email protected]
Tags
education educational educators environment k12 professionaldevelopment professionallearning stewardship teachers workshop
Share this event
This event was added to the calendar by Mara Spears (spearsma@gvsu.edu) on Monday, November 10, 2025 and was last updated on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at 2:55 p.m.
Similar Events
4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Professional Learning Opportunity: Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience with Amanda Syers (MWEE)
Off CampusAll day
ENS Winter 2026 Sustainability Showcase (March 30 - April 4)
Allendale Campus6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Campus Conversation Series- Navigating Eco-Grief: Critical Hope for a Better Future (INT 100/201 approved)
Allendale CampusAll day
ENS Winter 2026 Sustainability Showcase (March 30 - April 4)
Allendale CampusAll day