At 826michigan, reading and writing are at the heart of everything we do. When you stop by the Detroit Robot Factory this spring, you’ll find our front doors have been transformed into a gallery of art work and words celebrating this very idea. In this project, our After-School Tutoring students in Detroit were tasked with completing the sentence: “I think reading is important because,” and the answers they gave are thoughtful and inspiring. Reading helps your mind grow big! It sparks imagination! It helps you understand other people’s experiences! It teaches you stuff about snakes and reptiles and other things!
At 826michigan, we rely on supporters who bolster our efforts to make our students enthusiastic about reading and writing. This month, we’d like to recognize the Flagstar Foundation for their support of our writing and tutoring programs in Detroit with a grant of $15,000. Flagstar Bank has a 30-year tradition of investing in its communities, with a special focus on diversity and inclusion. 826michigan is proud to be among the arts education organizations the Flagstar Foundation supports.
Because of supporters like the Flagstar Foundation, exciting things are always happening inside the doors of the Detroit Robot Factory. Students are arriving a for field trips where we collaborate on ever-surprising stories, from a gorilla named Strongguts to a robot meatball who foils the plans of King Fireblast. Our Saturday writing workshop series is in full-swing, with teaching artists guiding students through thought-provoking, imagination-stirring prompts. And every day, tutors are working one-on-one with students to ensure homework is getting homework done, books are being read, and that everyone feels welcome, included, and excited. We thank Flagstar Foundation for helping us instill a love of reading and writing in Detroit students.
The snow has melted (well, it did for a day or two), spring is on its way, but its always After-School Tutoring season at 826michigan! Monday through Thursday in Detroit, Ann Arbor, and Ypsilanti, students shrug off their jackets, say hey to their tutor, grab some string cheese, and crack…
General operating support. Friends, those are three words that make nonprofits weep tears of joy. The Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Family Foundation has gifted 826michigan with such resources, and we assure you–—it makes so much of the magic in our spaces happen. For instance, unrestricted gifts—–the awesome definition of general operating…
(Photographer: Dianna Berggren) Mittenfest XII has grown a lot over twelve years, as has the clout behind many of the performers that have performed. However, without someone to make sure we can hear the bands, the whole festival is for naught. Enter Dave Menzo and Menzo Media. Dave has been supporting…
Tis the season to celebrate terrific student writing! To that end, we once again have reason to appreciate the generosity of the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs that makes it possible for us to reach thousands of students across Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, and Detroit with creative writing programs…
The start of this school year is unique in that we get to celebrate the fall launch of after-school tutoring TWO TIMES. In late September, we delighted at the start of Liberty Street Tutoring. This November, we are glad for a second launch period to welcome students back to Washington…
We love fall at 826michigan. It means seriously delicious apples and cider, amazing sweater weather, and a fresh school year to welcome so many students into our writing lab for field trips! This October, we recognize The Peck Foundation for its tremendous support in expanding our Field Trips program…
The Born and Raised Detroit Foundation is a marvelous group of native Detroiters who, living locally but also in other US cities and abroad, have remained committed to supporting initiatives that contribute to building a stronger community and positive way of life throughout Detroit. Their idea to begin a foundation…
There’s nothing like a slice of pizza to make writing fun and delicious—and Domino’s Pizza has filled so many happy young writers’ tummies throughout the school year and this summer through our Family Writing Labs. In fact, Domino’s has donated nearly two dozen pizzas for each Family Writing Lab event!…
826michigan serves thousands of students across the region. Last year, we reached nearly 4,000 young writers in Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, and Detroit—before the Detroit Robot Factory even opened. Having now completed five months of full-time service across TWO 826michigan centers—–Liberty Street Robot Supply & Repair and the Detroit Robot Factory—–it…
