Early learning and development program resources for all children, birth to age eight, especially those in highest need.
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March 25, 2025
LANSING, Mich. – As Michigan celebrates National Reading Month in March, the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) is highlighting the transformative impact of $14 million in MiFamily Engagement Center funding awarded to regions across the state to strengthen early literacy and family engagement.
“Strong literacy skills are the foundation for all learning and the key to unlocking a lifetime of opportunities,” said Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, director of MiLEAP. “When we invest in literacy, we invest in a child’s future. The MiFamily Engagement Centers are ensuring that parents have the tools and support needed to be active partners in their child’s education journeys. By creating a more connected learning environment, we are giving children access to greater opportunities and a brighter future.”
“The MiFamily Engagement Center initiative is making a real difference by giving families, schools and communities more ways to work together and empower students beyond the traditional classroom,” said Rawlan Lillard II, deputy director of Education Partnerships at MiLEAP. “When we talk about literacy, we’re talking about more than just reading – we’re talking about the ability to express ideas, understand and engage with the world. We are excited about the awesome work happening in regions across our state to help build these skills and create a lasting impact for students and families.”
Each of Michigan’s 10 MiFamily Center regions received $350,000 per year for four years to fund initiatives based on the unique needs of its community, with $120,000 dedicated to literacy birth through grade 5.
The Northwest Lower Peninsula recently awarded nearly $164,000 in mini-grants to support 15 projects across four Intermediate School Districts (ISDs) and local districts including Char-Em, Manistee, Northwest Education Services, and Wexford-Missaukee. These projects focus on strengthening family relationships and enhancing parent education around literacy, with awarded amounts ranging from $1,395 to $31,675.
Additionally, the region will launch a community system scan, using surveys and focus groups to assess early literacy needs. This collaborative effort will engage families, educators and community members to identify strengths, gaps and innovative approaches to enhance literacy and engagement.
Metro Detroit awarded 10 mini-grants ranging from $2,500 to $15,000, to organizations in Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne counties through the Mini-Grant Fellows Program. The funds will support projects that promote family partnerships, strengthen community connections and enhance educational outcomes for students. The Metro Detroit area is also launching a MiFamily Room Renovation Project to help schools and community organizations create welcoming spaces designed to encourage family engagement. They recently released Newcomer Family Lit Kits, a partnership with Samaritas and the Newcomer Collaborative, to distribute 100 literacy kits to early childhood families who are new to the U.S.
MiFamily Center Regions and Region Coordinators remain steadfast in serving Michigan families in education and supports for a brighter tomorrow. MiLEAP looks forward to sharing projects in other regions in the future as we continue to ensure that families across Michigan have access to the resources and opportunities needed to support lifelong learning.
To learn more about MiFamily Engagement Centers and their work, visit the MiLEAP Education Partnerships webpage.
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