Groundswell's mission is to help improve the experience of teaching and learning through place-based stewardship education.  We do this by providing professional development for educators, financial support for community-based stewardship projects, and connections to community partners who can help create impactful learning experiences.  Groundswell helps schools engage in community-based learning and implement stewardship projects to protect the Great Lakes.

Since 2007, Groundswell Stewardship Initiative has been housed in GVSU's College of Education and Community Innovation. The Groundswell network includes more than 50 community organizations, schools, non-profits, governmental agencies, and local businesses.

Groundswell is made possible through the support of GVSU's College of Education and Community Innovation; Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative; Wege Foundation; Baldwin Foundation; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; Greater West Michigan MiSTEM Network, Great Lakes Fisheries Trust, Michigan's Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, and more.