Bay City

Community service and leadership are key components of the Kantzler Fellowship at Saginaw Valley State University. (Photo courtesy of SVSU)

Class in session: Attracting, supporting, and retaining educators

Being a teacher is a tough job, but statewide grants, funding, student loan repayment programs, and other incentives and resources aim to make the career more appealing. Local school districts, universities and colleges are also partnering together to make transitioning from one classroom to the next a bit more doable.

Pitch Perfect: Local entrepreneurs pitch their dreams and win cash for their businesses

Local entrepreneurs compete for more than $11,000 in cash prizes during the second annual Business by the Bay pitch competition.  

Jim Reha, at left, and Keith Markstrom, at right, explain how the Veterans Workshop and Learning Center is trying to meet the needs of veterans.
Veterans finding community and help at a Downtown Bay City workshop and learning center

The Veterans Workshop & Learning Center in Downtown Bay City is making an impact on the lives of those who served our country. The center offers classes, speakers, mental wellness support, and social opportunities.

Before- and after-school care programs give parents peace of mind while providing kids with nutritious snacks, homework help, and time for play. The United Way of Bay County helps fund two Bay County programs.
Before- and after-school programs nurture mental and physical development

Before- and after-school care programs provide kids with a safe environment alongside homework help and fun activities. 

The first-place team in the A.H. Nickless Innovation Award competition receives this 3D-printed traveling trophy. The team members’ names are engraved on the trophy. (Photo courtesy of the A.H. Nickless Innovation Award.)
John Glenn High School team advances to the next round in the Nickless Innovation Award competition

Seventeen teams of students from six high schools from Bay City, Freeland, Midland, and Saginaw qualified for Phase Two of the 2024-25 A.H. Nickless Innovation Award. Three winning teams and their schools will earn a share of up to $77,500 in scholarships and grants.

Vacant Monitor Township machine shop comes back to life with the arrival of Progressive Mechnical

Progressive Mechanical – a Clawson-based firm that designs, builds and installs mechanical processing and fire protection systems – expects to employ about 25 union workers in its new Monitor Township facility.  

A fitness obstacle course was added to Maplewood Park on Bay City's East Side.
Maplewood Park revitalization creates a community hub for a Downtown Bay City neighborhood

The Maplewood Park Sports Complex in Bay City is undergoing a major transformation, evolving into a vibrant community hub that fosters neighborhood revitalization and provide new opportunities for underserved residents.

The 2024 ALICE Report stresses that rising costs for child care and health care make it increasingly tough for families to break the cycle of financial hardship, and calls for more targeted support to address these disparities.
Latest ALICE Report highlights the financial hardships facing nearly half of Bay County families

The 2024 ALICE Report includes a special section on families with children. Children growing up in homes facing financial difficulties often don’t have the stability needed for healthy development.  

Teen scientists are learning STEM skills today as they prepare for the jobs of tomorrow

The Chief Science Officer program, originating in Arizona and now implemented at SVSU and CMU, aims to increase interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) among middle and high school students. Through hands-on experiences, the program equips students with essential skills for STEM careers.

Pippa, a certified therapy dog, spends her days at Bay City Central High School alongside social worker Kati Loiselle. Pippa provides emotional support and other services for students and staff at the school.
Golden Girl: Pippa wags her tail and brightens spirits at Bay City Central High School

Pippa, a Golden Retriever certified through the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, comes to Bay City Central High School alongside social worker Kati Loiselle. Together, they provide emotional support, assist with behavior intervention, promote social skills, and enhance the overall school climate.

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