Michigan Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist (at podium) speaking at the Downtown Boxing Gym in Detroit.
(Photo courtesy of Michigan Executive Office of the Governor)
Last Thursday, Michigan Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II toured an afterschool program in Detroit to discuss how Governor Whitmer’s proposed education budget, as well as the MI Kids Back on Track Program, will enhance learning supports for students and improve outcomes in Michigan’s schools.
“As a parent with kids in public school, I know how critical it is to partner with parents, get kids the resources they need to succeed in the classroom and beyond, and attract and retain the best educators,” said Gilchrist. “Governor Whitmer and I are committed to positioning young people in Michigan for success, which is why we proposed an historic education budget to boost per student funding, deliver bonuses to educators and staff, and keep students and staff safe. We will keep working hard to help educators and students tackle unfinished learning and connect with opportunity.”
“The COVID pandemic hit Detroit families hard, especially our children,” said Deputy Mayor Todd Bettison. “There is so much work to be done to bridge the learning and activity gaps that we are still seeing. Governor Whitmer’s Michigan Kids Back on Track program will bring the funding we need to help bring equitable and accessible help to children, no matter what zip code they live in.”
“For the last 15 years, we have seen firsthand the power of out of school time programming and how it transforms students’ lives,” said Khali Sweeney, Founder and CEO of the Downtown Boxing Gym in Detroit. “Since 2007, 100% of our DBG students have graduated from high school. This is not something that’s just ‘nice to have.’ Out of school time programs are absolutely essential to ensure students have a safe haven and the academic support and resources they need to succeed.”
“Across Michigan, there are thousands of afterschool programs that are working to bring opportunities to youth to learn, connect and grow,” said Erin Skene-Pratt, executive director of Michigan AfterSchool Partnership. “Unfortunately, there aren’t enough available spots to serve every child that wants to pursue afterschool and summer learning opportunities. For every child in a quality program like the one at Downtown Boxing Gym, there are four more waiting to get in. That’s why greater investment is so critical as part of this year’s state budget.”
Gilchrist visited the Downtown Boxing Gym (DBG) on Detroit’s east side, which provides a free, out of school time program Monday through Friday all year round. More than 200 students, ages 8-18, participate. DBG provides continuing support to its graduates through age 25.
Whitmer’s MI Kids Back on Track plan would invest $280 million of Michigan’s $3 billion in additional revenue to tackle unfinished learning with tutoring or other forms of personalized instruction before, after, or during school.?Michigan schools have already received federal resources from the American Rescue Plan specifically to address unfinished learning. MI Kids Back on Track would build on this funding with state resources to bolster tutoring programs. The plan will help schools process background checks for potential tutors and pay them.?
Michiganders who want to join the effort can sign up at www.volunteermichigan.org/need/detail/?need_id=694901.
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