Great Start Collaborative becomes ‘HOPE Certified’ with focus on Positive Childhood Experiences A groundbreaking shift in how children and families thrive is underway in Northwest Michigan. The Great Start Collaborative and Family Coalition of Charlevoix, Emmet,...
New accessible playground communication boards support inclusive play for all students CENTRAL LAKE - All young students have one thing in common: They love to have fun on playgrounds. For some students who are nonverbal, expressing their interests and feelings...
On Oct. 3, 2025, the state legislature passed a budget for Michigan that eliminates all funding for Great Start Collaboratives around the state. Char-Em ISD is committed to continuing our work. Please see a message below from Savanah Cool, Great Start Collaborative...
In October 2024, the Great Start Collaborative & Family Coalition of Charlevoix, Emmet and Northern Antrim Counties provided $20,000 in funding to the Charlevoix Kiwanis Club Youth Foundation to support the launch of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library for...
Each fall, the Great Start Collaborative & Family Coalition of Charlevoix, Emmet and Northern Antrim Counties takes time to review its previous year’s accomplishments and map out what initiatives lie ahead to support families with young children in Northern...
Visit the MiFamily Engagement Center Region 2 web page Seventeen projects have been awarded approximately $150,000 through the Region 2 MiFamily Engagement Center's 2026–27 Mini-Grant Program! Schools, libraries, and community organizations across Northwest Michigan...
The projects listed below have successfully secured grant funding from the MiFamily Engagement Centers Region 2 in 2025-26. Stay informed about future grant opportunities! Click the button above to sign up for Region 2 news and updates. The Petoskey District Library...
Voters throughout Char-Em ISD on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, approved a 1.0-mill request from Char-Em Intermediate School District to continue funding Career and Technical Education (CTE) throughout Charlevoix, Emmet, and northern Antrim counties. This millage has funded...
Many teenagers surely would get on board with being able to design and build ready-to-ride skateboards, longboards, snowboards and paddle boards during the school day. With the help of a new $50,000 grant, students in Char-Em ISD Career and Technical Education (CTE)...
A new group of about a dozen 19- to 26-year olds has become part of the daily rhythm at North Central Michigan College as they dine at the Iron Horse Cafe, work in the kitchen, help clean computer labs, and traverse the campus. In fact, most people would likely assume...