Education

Children at Baxter Community Center in Grand Rapids.

Consultants empower child care providers to meet mental health needs of the youngest Michiganders

The Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation program sends trained early childhood consultants to daycare settings and preschools to help caregivers better meet children's needs.

Latest in Education
Diners of all backgrounds will join together for a meal during the United Way of Bay County's Longest Table event in September. The 2025 event takes place in Uptown Bay City. (Photo courtesy of the United Way of Bay County)
All are welcome to take a seat at this table

The second annual Longest Table event, organized by the United Way of Bay County, aims to bring a diverse group of people together to share a meal and conversation

The national shortage of teachers could impact students for years. That's why districts such as Bay City Public Schools are working to address the issue now.
Bigger paychecks, bonuses, and lifestyle are part of the plan for addressing the teacher shortage

Bay City Public Schools focuses on multiple factors to both attract talented teachers to the area and to keep experienced educators in the classroom

Preschool girls
Northwest Michigan ISD welcomes pre-K expansion

Tracy Spincich, North Ed, talked with Early Education Matters about how free pre-K for 4-year-olds will benefit this region.

Sprague is a junior/senior high school science teacher in Beaverton.
Catalyst Community: Try Something New

In the latest in a series of columns from different perspectives in our community, Catalyst Midland focuses on how you can benefit from trying something new.

Great Lakes Bay Health Centers recently announced plans for a new one-stop facility in Uptown Bay City.
Great Lakes Bay Health Centers gearing up to open a health care clinic inside Central High School

The school-based clinic will be open to students in the district between 5 and 21 years old. Students will need parent permission to visit the clinic, which will offer primary care alongside mental health, vision, and dental services.  

Families can enjoy a walk through a city park while reading a fun story with StoryWalks. A coalition of agencies are working together to bring fun, educational programs to Bay City parks this summer. (Photo courtesy of Bay County Library System)
Expanding your child’s reading, math, and science skills is a walk in the park

Bay County parks, libraries, and nature centers are filled with opportunities for education and fun. At many of the locations you’ll find signs giving instructions for making the most of the opportunity.

Early Education Matters,
Pre-K for All will improve long-term health, education, and social outcomes for children

Pre-K for All is really about ensuring that all Michigan children enjoy academic success.  

The United Way of Bay County is more than a fundraising agency. It also sponsors community-wide events, such as the Day of Caring and Wenonah Park Cleanup. (Photo courtesy of the United Way of Bay County)
The United Way of Bay County is helping kids put together first-day-of-school outfits

The Helen Wirt Lee Back 2 School Clothing/Backpack Program gives kids the clothing and supplies they need to start the academic year on the right foot  

The United Way of Bay County is more than a fundraising agency. It also sponsors community-wide events, such as the Day of Caring and Wenonah Park Cleanup. (Photo courtesy of the United Way of Bay County)
Registration for the Back 2 School program is due in July

Each year, the United Way of Bay County and Youth Advisory Council outfit qualifying kids with everything they need for back-to-school season  

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