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Common Ground Media

@commongroundmedia.bsky.social
133 followers 370 following 235 posts

Vital journalism moving communities forward. Because progress starts when we find common ground. FromCommonGround.com Part of the Issue Media Group network of publications

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Common Ground Media @commongroundmedia.bsky.social · 15/10/2026
We were thrilled to be a part of this inaugural cohort of experiments with @joshuadarr.bsky.social and @newhousesu.bsky.social. What we learned: audiences with a higher levels of local identity appreciate solutions journalism more.
niemanlab.org
A new report argues newsrooms need to do more experiments — like, the kind with randomization and results
Mississippi Today had a question. Did the stories around its Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporting affect the way those investigations were received? It's the kind of question local newsroom...
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Common Ground Media @commongroundmedia.bsky.social · 15/10/2026
🌳 What started in 2018 as a small project between Hope College and the city of Holland has grown into a public database tracking nearly 15,000 trees, earning both entities international recognition for their work in urban forestry and sustainability.
thelakeshorewm.com
Hope College, city of Holland collaborate on award-winning public tree database – The Lakeshore
Students and interns played a key role in mapping 15,000 trees across Holland and the Hope campus, expanding biodiversity, sustainability education, and canopy access.
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Common Ground Media @commongroundmedia.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
People leaving incarceration face some of the highest health risks of any population. Up to 80% return to their communities with chronic conditions, and the risk of a fatal opioid overdose in the weeks immediately following release is 10x+ higher than that of the general public.
concentratemedia.com
"Beyond Incarceration": New program offers supportive services for people leaving Washtenaw County Jail – Concentrate
Packard Health's Beyond Incarceration initiative provides connections to primary care, behavioral health services, and recovery resources for individuals preparing for release from the Washtenaw Count...
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Common Ground Media @commongroundmedia.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
And earlier this year, from Cincinnati:
soapboxmedia.com
Safe speed: Why towns in Hamilton County are slimming down their main roads – Soapbox
The “road diet” is increasingly being considered to slow speed while at the same time keep traffic flowing.
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Common Ground Media @commongroundmedia.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
A trend we're seeing: traffic calming measures that reduce car speeds and save lives. From Kalamazoo:
secondwavemedia.com
Feeling slowed down? That’s the point. Kalamazoo crashes drop 25%. – Second Wave
Kalamazoo’s traffic calming makes roads safer for everyday mistakes, while enforcement targets truly dangerous driving.
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Common Ground Media @commongroundmedia.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Over 25 years, the market has grown from a few Thai vendors to dozens of vendors offering dishes from Thai, Lao, Cambodian, Hmong, and Vietnamese cuisines—many of which you won't find in local restaurants.
metromodemedia.com
Thai Market Keeps Immigrants Connected to Home
A weekly Thai market helps Southeast Asian immigrants maintain cultural connections and introduces visitors to new foods and traditions.
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Common Ground Media @commongroundmedia.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
The Small Business Social Hours demonstrate that in this age of tech, face-to-face networking opportunities are even more important for small businesses and entrepreneurs.
fromcommonground.com
Small Business Social Hours foster success through face-to-face connection – Common Ground
Why face-to-face networking opportunities are even more important for small businesses and entrepreneurs.
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Common Ground Media @commongroundmedia.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Rural communities have faced shortages of primary care doctors for decades. The problem is getting worse as rural doctors retire and fewer medical students choose to practice in rural areas.
fromcommonground.com
Medical school programs aim to alleviate shortage of rural physicians – Common Ground
By encouraging students like Elizabeth Phelps, the MSU College of Human Medicine tackles the need for doctors in small communities.
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Common Ground Media @commongroundmedia.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Jack Pepper remembers growing up in Athens County and knowing kids who depended on school for their only hot meal of the day. “Dental care was kind of a luxury,” says Pepper. This summer, he helped 491 patients get more than 3,000 dental, vision, and medical services, valued at $235,000.
fromcommonground.com
GuardCare partnership brings free healthcare to Ohio Appalachian residents – Common Ground
GuardCare provided free health services to nearly 500 Ohio residents, highlighting both collaborative solutions and persistent gaps in dental care.
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Canary Media Inc. @canarymedia.com · 27/08/2026
Heat-pump water heaters are getting cheaper, smaller, and even more efficient.
canarymedia.com
Heat-pump water heaters just keep getting better
Manufacturers are rolling out models that heat up at times when power is cheap, fit into tighter spaces, and aggressively cut energy bills.
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Good Good Good News @goodgoodgood.news · 27/08/2026
For years, Washington State’s Snoqualmie Pass saw thousands of roadkill — a single overpass just celebrated 10,000 crossings and “zero roadkill.”
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Common Ground Media @commongroundmedia.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Your new obsession: 🌳 🌱 🌲 Microforests! 🌲 🌱 🌳 Just look at everything they can do: Capture carbon Filter pollutants Absorb rainwater/reduce flooding Lower temps by up to 10° Provide habitats for wildlife including pollinators Grow rapidly Bring people together Reconnect us to native plants
metromodemedia.com
Micro forests attract not only birds and bees but Metro Detroiters, too – Metromode
Whether you call them micro, mini, or pocket forests, they are taking root around the world — and in metro Detroit. They help the environment, provide refuge to native species, and respite to people s...
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Common Ground Media @commongroundmedia.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
Conservation leaders around the country are watching closely as Michigan pioneers a public-private partnership that keeps the U.P.'s expansive forests protected and accessible to all — and on the local tax rolls.
ruralinnovationexchange.com
Michigan’s first-of-its-kind endowment rewrites the rules of forest conservation – Rural Innovation Exchange
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources partnered with the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation to establish a first-of-its-kind $670,000 stewardship endowment.
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Common Ground Media @commongroundmedia.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
Beyond ramps, parking spaces, and building regulations: Northern MI provides accessible beaches & kayak launches, adaptive recreation, track chairs at major sites, mobility equipment, transportation, & more. AND: Traverse City is the Midwest's first Certified Autism Destination! Read more:
fromcommonground.com
Recognizing how accessibility can build tourism – Common Ground
Northern Michigan organizations partner to improve accessibility, helping more travelers enjoy Traverse City while building a more welcoming tourism destination.
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Common Ground Media @commongroundmedia.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
Spotlight on rural innovation: ⛺ A tent that sets up in 60 seconds and doubles as a hiking pole, invented by a college student and modeled after an umbrella. 🏥 A startup that helps providers navigate insurance appeals by IDing the exact clinical evidence needed to challenge denied claims.
ruralinnovationexchange.com
From Campus Project to Market Success: How one NMU student reimagined camping – Rural Innovation Exchange
How does a college project turn into a thriving outdoor brand? Discover how NMU student Evan BeVier and healthcare founder Gretchen Heinen scaled their big ideas with the help of Innovate Marquette Sm...
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The Philadelphia Citizen @thephilacitizen.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
Twenty percent of Philadelphians regularly experience hunger — in part because they live in food deserts. National urban thinkers lay out an idea we should steal for reinventing the grocery store, from Mamdani’s New York to Atlanta, Georgia. bit.ly/4xyqBYe
thephiladelphiacitizen.org
Idea We Should Steal: Reinvent Grocery Stores; Fix Food Deserts
Want to solve Philly's food deserts? There's a way cities from NYC to Atlanta are reinventing the grocery store
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Common Ground Media @commongroundmedia.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
People have a lot of ideas about who lives in affordable housing. Most of those ideas are, at best, incomplete.
concentratemedia.com
Who actually lives in Ann Arbor's affordable housing? – Concentrate
Affordable housing residents are a diverse bunch who defy the stereotypes often assigned to them.
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Common Ground Media @commongroundmedia.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
Wondering where exemplary literacy programming for preschoolers, toddlers, and even infants is taking place? Visit any public library.
fromcommonground.com
How public libraries instill literacy in littles – Common Ground
Libraries' children’s programming builds kindergarten readiness and a lifelong love for reading.
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Common Ground Media @commongroundmedia.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
A round-up of our recent public art coverage shows demonstrates that it strengthens community pride, welcomes visitors, and even helps people find their way:
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Common Ground Media @commongroundmedia.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
In Ann Arbor, public art is becoming a wayfinding system, with new murals set to guide people from a nearby parking structure to the local farmers market:
concentratemedia.com
New Ann Arbor public art will guide visitors from parking to farmers market – Concentrate
A new public art installation in downtown Ann Arbor aims to guide pedestrians between the Ann Ashley parking structure and the Ann Arbor Farmers Market.
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Common Ground Media @commongroundmedia.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
And in this town, a new public art initiative (supported by a combo of government, philanthropy, and crowdfunding) will kick off with four murals: rapidgrowthmedia.com/how-public-m...
rapidgrowthmedia.com
How public murals will transform downtown Lowell  – Rapid Growth
Work on four new murals across downtown Lowell will begin in August, launching the city's first coordinated public art initiative.
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Common Ground Media @commongroundmedia.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
Dental therapists work with supervising dentists to provide routine care, including exams, fillings and preventive services. Their role allows dental practices to serve more patients while dentists focus on more complex procedures.
rapidgrowthmedia.com
Ferris State taps public health dentist to launch Michigan’s first dental therapy program – Rapid Growth
Dr. Deborah Brown will lead Michigan's first dental therapy program at Ferris State, preparing providers to improve access to routine dental care.
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Common Ground Media @commongroundmedia.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
Across Fort Wayne, neighbors are finding themselves reflected in the art on and around their streets. Here's how local artists and the City are driving it forward:
inputfortwayne.com
How public art is showing up in Fort Wayne's neighborhoods – Input Fort Wayne
Neighborhood leaders say art installations help evoke and maintain a sense of place, identity, and pride.
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Common Ground Media @commongroundmedia.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
To the casual observer, nonprofits like Feeding Tampa Bay and the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay serve different needs. In reality, they’re often helping people at different points along the same path. Here's how coordination is helping provide seamless support, even as need increases:
83degreesmedia.com
Striving for seamless social service system in Tampa Bay – 83 Degrees Media
Area nonprofits like Feeding Tampa Bay and Crisis Center of Tampa Bay are weaving a more connected safety net.
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Common Ground Media @commongroundmedia.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
Don't be afraid of the D-word! (It's "density.") When we talk about transportation and mobility, we're always also talking about the built environment.
inputfortwayne.com
Can proximity solve a transportation problem? – Input Fort Wayne
Some developers, planners, and neighborhood advocates believe bringing destinations closer together could expand transportation choices.
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Common Ground Media @commongroundmedia.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
Housing that starts affordable and is guaranteed to stay that way for a century — and beyond. Read more:
fromcommonground.com
New and rehabbed homes are making a difference in Michigan – Common Ground
Many generations could be living in these homes. Thanks to a new program, the homes will be kept affordable for 99 years.
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Common Ground Media @commongroundmedia.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
MY Mental Wellness helps immigrants overcome barriers to care like stigma, language and cultural barriers, and lack of insurance. They treat people who may have experienced deep trauma in their country of origin, or might fear sharing personal information in the current political environment.
metromodemedia.com
Islamic Center of Detroit’s My Mental Wellness Clinic provides immigrants a safe space and mental health care  – Metromode
For many Arab and Muslim immigrants, seeking therapy can mean pushing past generations of stigma—and finding a provider who understands their culture and faith. A free clinic inside the Islamic Center...
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Common Ground Media @commongroundmedia.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
What began as a Kettering Engineering student’s idea to help his partner live more comfortably has grown into a product that will change the lives of so many people living with hypermobility illnesses.
flintside.com
Kettering Student Creates Spoon Wrap, Inspired by Partner's Chronic Illness – Flintside
Kettering student Alex Nichols built SpoonWrap for partner Mahalia Thompson's invisible illness.
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Common Ground Media @commongroundmedia.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
Most states face a shortage of qualified teacher candidates—but it's not because of a lack of interest. Here's how one alternative teacher certification program is helping more people become educators:
fromcommonground.com
How Talent Together is helping solve the teacher shortage – Common Ground
In response to statewide teacher shortages, Michigan has invested in alternative routes to teacher certification. One program, Talent Together, helps Metro Detroiters realize their dreams of becoming ...
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Common Ground Media @commongroundmedia.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
A Detroit teen, Herbert Anderson, was Davis Aerospace Technical High School’s first student to complete a solo flight since 2015.
modeldmedia.com
Detroit Student Takes Flight: How DPSCD's Davis Aerospace Is Turning Dreams Into Careers – Model D
This year, Herbert Anderson became Davis Aerospace Technical High School's first student to complete a solo flight since 2015.
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Common Ground Media @commongroundmedia.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
Waste, fraud, and abuse make clickable headlines. But the real story in the childcare sector is one of staff shortages, rising costs, and shifting requirements. And for families, the most pressing issue is having access to care. Bottom line: childcare is critical community infrastructure.
fromcommonground.com
Childcare fraud myth misses the larger story – Common Ground
The disproven allegations have burdened providers and threaten access as fewer seek to enter the field.
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Common Ground Media @commongroundmedia.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
Food is medicine — and this community is treating it that way.
concentratemedia.com
Trinity Health and Michigan community groups will make fresh, local food a Medicaid benefit – Concentrate
A new Trinity Health initiative will allow people in the Ann Arbor, Detroit, and Grand Rapids areas to access fresh, affordable produce from local organizations through their Medicaid health plans.
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Common Ground Media @commongroundmedia.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
The new direct admissions initiative is designed to streamline the path from high school to college and expand access for local students, removing application barriers and providing coordinated support for families navigating the college enrollment process.
concentratemedia.com
New initiative guarantees EMU admission for Ypsi and Ann Arbor students – Concentrate
Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti Community Schools, and the Early College Alliance at EMU have partnered to guarantee EMU admission to local high school graduates.
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MichLeague.bsky.social @michleague.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
Our Kids Count Policy Director Anne Kuhnen weighed in on the low wages that continue to contribute to Michigan's childcare workforce crisis and a new statewide wage pilot in this @commongroundmedia.bsky.social article by Brianna Nargiso #mileg #ECE
fromcommonground.com
Childcare workforce crisis fuels push for wage reforms – Common Ground
Without sustained investment, families will continue to have difficulty accessing stable, high-quality childcare.
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Common Ground Media @commongroundmedia.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
In the most recent story, Harper Horvath explores the connection between humans and nature: its essential truth, how we've strayed from it, and how finding it again is key to the future of our species.
secondwavemedia.com
Planet Z Commentary: We are nature — it's time we started acting like it – Second Wave
The greatest challenge of the 21st Century may be remembering our place in the natural world. In this commentary, Planet Z Project Editor Harper Horvath explores how our growing disconnection from nat...
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Common Ground Media @commongroundmedia.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
Finn Webster, a rhetoric and environmental science student, highlights an ecologically rare preserve and its uncertain future amid a stewardship transition:
secondwavemedia.com
Planet Z: Western Michigan University students voice concerns over Asylum Lake Preserve’s future – Second Wave
Many underestimate how important wild, natural places like the Asylum Lake Preserve are to nearby college students. The potential transfer of the preserve raises questions and concerns about its stewa...
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Common Ground Media @commongroundmedia.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
Project editor Harper Horvath shares what it means to live with climate anxiety, the struggle against despair, and how Gen Z-ers can find personal agency in the fight for humanity's shared future:
secondwavemedia.com
Planet Z: Climate anxiety meets Gen Z resolve – Second Wave
Born into a planet in crisis, Gen Z carries the weight of climate anxiety. Planet Z, our yearlong series created by Gen Z writers, explores what it means to come of age in the climate crisis — and how...
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Common Ground Media @commongroundmedia.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
From our sister publication in Southwest Michigan comes a new series elevating youth voices on climate change: Planet Z. Take a look at the first three installments:
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Common Ground Media @commongroundmedia.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
Congratulations to @soapboxcincy.bsky.social for winning first place in healthcare reporting in the Ohio's Best Journalism contest! Soapbox was recognized for the Health Justice in Action series: soapboxmedia.com/series/healt...
soapboxmedia.com
Health Justice in Action Archives – Soapbox
Across the region, there's a big disparity in how long people live. Nearly 90 years, on average, in Indian Hill and Mason, but barely over 60 in Arlington Heights and Adams County. That's nearly 30 ye...
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Reposted by Common Ground Media
Unique Places to Save @uniqueplacestosave.org · 24/06/2026
Something remarkable is happening in Ramseur, North Carolina. 🌊After years of conservation planning, partnership, and patient work the river is flowing free.
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Common Ground Media @commongroundmedia.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
IFF, the Midwest’s largest community development financial institution (CDFI), is helping Indiana nonprofits complete energy-efficient building upgrades that reduce utility costs and improve community facilities.
fromcommonground.com
How IFF Helps Indiana Nonprofits Cut Energy Costs
IFF is helping Indiana nonprofits complete energy-efficient building upgrades that reduce utility costs and improve community facilities.
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Reposted by Common Ground Media
Canary Media Inc. @canarymedia.com · 15/06/2026
The U.S. just hit a huge clean energy milestone: It got more power from solar panels than from coal plants in May.
canarymedia.com
Solar beat coal on the US grid in May — a new milestone
It’s the first time that's happened across an entire month, and it comes despite the Trump administration’s efforts to reinvigorate coal and hamper solar.
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Common Ground Media @commongroundmedia.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
Even with significant limitations to alternative transportation in Fort Wayne, could early exposure to the benefits of cycling and public transit be a long-term solution to an ingrained car-centric mindset?
inputfortwayne.com
How early introduction to alternative transportation could help change Fort Wayne’s car-centric mindset – Input Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne is a city with a car-centric mindset. Early exposure to biking and transit could help, but a lack of density could limit long-term habit change.
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Common Ground Media @commongroundmedia.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
"It’s something that brings enrichment to people’s lives, and at the heart is a message of unity," says Peacenic volunteer Jamie Kelsey. "It’s about how we move through things successfully, how we can reach prosperity together."
concentratemedia.com
Ypsi picnic uniting law enforcement with residents returns for third year – Concentrate
Organizers are proudly reflecting on the growth of Peacenic Ypsi, an annual community picnic intended to build bridges between residents and law enforcement, as its third year approaches.
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Common Ground Media @commongroundmedia.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
Immigrants are more likely to start businesses than native-born US citizens, filling critical local gaps, fueling economic growth, and fostering local vibrancy. Supportive programming and resources can help accelerate this growth:
metromodemedia.com
An Oakland County nonprofit is brewing success for immigrant entrepreneurs – Metromode
Immigrant business owners and entrepreneurs can help revitalize and sustain Michigan’s economy.
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Common Ground Media @commongroundmedia.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
This early education program centers on building a culturally affirming environment where students and families feel seen, supported, and connected before children ever enter elementary school.
fromcommonground.com
Battle Creek preschool creates culturally affirming foundation for kindergarten – Common Ground
Students and families feel seen, supported, and connected.
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Common Ground Media @commongroundmedia.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
💬 In Jenison High School’s Spanish in the Community program, students participate in internships where they translate, assist families, and work directly with the Spanish-speaking community.
rapidgrowthmedia.com
Internships for bilingual students help them develop Spanish skills while helping community – Rapid Growth
Jenison students gain bilingual experience through internships, preparing for future careers and opportunities while helping Spanish-speaking families communicate. Jenison students gain bilingual experience through internships, preparing for future careers and opportunities while helping Spanish-speaking families communicate.
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Common Ground Media @commongroundmedia.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
🚣 At the Bay City Rowing Club, teenagers are learning how to move together, how to trust one another, and how to find a rhythm that carries them forward, both on and off the river.
confluenceglb.com
Students find their rhythm on the river with Bay City Rowing Club – Confluence Great Lakes Bay
Along the Saginaw River, students at the Bay City Rowing Club are learning teamwork, trust and confidence through rowing. What began as an adult club expanded in 2018 to include youth, welcoming begin...
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Common Ground Media @commongroundmedia.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
🔎 The Immerse program at Grand Rapids Public Museum offers students the chance to spend a full week learning at the museum. Exhibits serve as classrooms, artifacts become learning tools, and curiosity is given room to grow.
rapidgrowthmedia.com
Beyond the field trip: Public Museum’s Immerse program transforms how students learn – and see themselves – Rapid Growth
For most students, a visit to the Grand Rapids Public Museum is just a simple field trip. But for those in the museum’s Immerse program, the experience is more engaging and meaningful. For most studen...
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Common Ground Media @commongroundmedia.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
🧑‍🚒 Saginaw's high school fire academy program has quietly become something more than a class. It’s a proving ground, a launching point, and for some students, the first place they truly understand what it means to serve.
confluenceglb.com
From classroom to call ready, the Saginaw Fire Department prepares students for the future – Confluence Great Lakes Bay
A unique high school fire academy prepares students to enter the workforce with certifications, skills, and a strong sense of purpose.
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