Join Groundswell
The Groundswell Stewardship Initiative is a network of schools and partners supporting place-based stewardship education in West Michigan. Groundswell provides educators with professional learning opportunities, project funding, and partnerships that supports place-based education and environmental stewardship in your community.
Groundswell Network Area
Schools We Work With
Groundswell serves traditional public schools, public charter schools, public magnet schools, and private schools in Kent and Ottawa counties.
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Kent & Ottawa Counties
Not in our network?
Don't worry! Groundswell is one of the regional hubs under the Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative (GLSI). If your school is not within our network area, take a look at the different counties within the Great Lakes State where GLSI hubs are located:
If you're interested in doing a project in your area but are unsure where your school would fall among our regional GLSI hubs, feel free to contact us.
Why Join Groundswell?
Teacher Training
High-quality professional learning opportunities on unique, innovative topics. These are offered at no cost to the participants. Substitute reimbursement is available for workshops during the school day.
Project Funding
Up to $1,500 to implement a student-led stewardship project to address a real environmental need in your community.
Technical Support
Connections with local community organizations to provide technical support and guidance for your stewardship project.
Educator Collaboration
Opportunities for networking and collaborating with other inspiring educators dedicated to place-based education.
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How Do I Join?
There are multiple ways to participate in Groundswell, and our staff will work with you to find the best fit for you. Opportunities for participation include:
Attend a Professional Learning Event
Learn about local place-based educational resources by attending Groundswell's year-round professional learning opportunities for both formal and informal educators. Teachers who attend our professional learning opportunities are eligible for reimbursement of substitute fees and can apply for project funding.
Become a Partner
Are you a part of local business, nonprofit, or organization that wants to help Groundswell advance place-based education stewardship in the community? Our community partners are a vital aspect of the Groundswell network. Our partners offer knowledge and resources for student projects, help lead professional learning opportunities, and network with the Groundswell community.
If you are interested in becoming a partner, please:
Do a Stewardship Action Project
Local teachers and schools are eligible to apply for funding from Groundswell through our project committee. Planning a project can help you lead students in quality, meaningful place-based environmental stewardship education. Our project guidance helps you be successful as you work to make your community a better place. Any grade or subject area can do a stewardship project, and we are there to help you along the way.
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