Summer Institute
What is Summer Institute?
Are you a teacher new to place-based education (PBE)? Maybe you have implemented place-based stewardship education (PBSE) in your classroom and want to learn more?
The institute is an annual workshop that leads participants through the six elements of a PBSE project so you can implement an awesome experience back at your school. Groundswell offers this workshop to educators which includes expert facilitation, hands-on training, and provided meals each day for attendees (a value of $400 per attendee). Summer institute is offered at no cost to the educator, and is made possible through grant funding and donations from our program supporters.
Location:
William L. Seidman Center, GVSU
50 Front Ave SW
Grand Rapids, MI
49504
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Why should you join us for this workshop?
- A detailed walk-through of how to implement a PBE experience in your classroom.
- Begin planning an academic year stewardship project, with access to up to $1,500 in Groundswell Project funding
- Make connections with fantastic West Michigan experts who can offer classroom support and guidance with your school project.
- Explore innovative approaches to real-world, community-connected learning
Whether you are new to teaching outdoors or want to deepen your impact, the Summer Institute will provide fresh ideas, meaningful connections, and practical tools to support you in teaching outside the classroom.
2026 Dates:
July 28th, 29th, & 30th 2026
Time:
8:30 AM - 3:30 PM each day
Participants are expected to commit to all three days of the institute.
Questions about this annual event? Contact our staff at [email protected]
Registration
Registration for 2026 Summer Institute will open in the spring.
Summer Institute 2025
Read about the most recent workshop and view photos from one of the immersive learning days.
Summer Institute FAQs
Q: What should I bring to this workshop series each day?
A: Each day our institute will include both indoor and outdoor learning. Be sure to prepare for the weather. We will be outside a bit and walking around away from our place, so we recommended bringing:
- Hat / Sunscreen / bug spray
- Close-toed, comfortable walking shoes
- A device (laptop or tablet) and charger
- Refillable water bottle
Q: Do I have to attend all three days?
A: Yes.
Q: Will copies of the resources be available to participants?
A: Yes. Any physical or digital resources we provide during the workshop will be available after. We will share these resources with participants via email and/or Google Drive.
Q: Is each Summer Institute the same every year?
A: No! Groundswell works hard to offer a variety of content each year for this workshop, and while certain aspects of the professional learning are similar each year, there is a different annual theme, presenters vary, and new participants make the experience unique every summer.
Q: Will I get time to work on a stewardship project for the coming academic year at Summer Institute?
A: Yes! We build in time for participants to get started on their project work for the upcoming year throughout the workshop.
Q: I'm a community partner, not an educator. Can I still attend?
A: Yes, absolutely. We welcome our partners to join us for this experience to learn alongside our educators and supplement their learning with great connections and support.