FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 9, 2022
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PHOTOS: Lt. Governor Gilchrist II tours after-school program in Detroit and highlights administration’s plan to invest in tutoring and additional supports for students
LANSING, Mich. — Today, Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II visited an after-school program in Detroit to discuss how Governor Whitmer’s proposed education budget, along with the MI Kids Back on Track program, will improve supports for learning for students and improve outcomes in Michigan schools.
“As a parent of children in public school, I know how critical it is to partner with parents, provide children with the resources they need to succeed in the classroom and beyond, and to attract and retain the best educators”, said Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist. “Governor Whitmer and I are committed to positioning Michigan’s youth for success, which is why we proposed a historic education budget to increase per-student funding, provide educator and staff bonuses, and provide safety. students and staff. We will continue to work hard to help educators and students address unfinished learning and seize opportunity. »
“The COVID pandemic has hit Detroit families hard, especially our children,” said Deputy Mayor Todd Bettison. “There is so much work to do to close the learning and activity gaps that we are still seeing. Governor Whitmer’s Michigan Kids Back on Track program will provide the funding we need to provide equitable and accessible help to children, regardless of zip code. »
“Over the past 15 years, we’ve seen firsthand the power of programming outside of school and how it transforms students’ lives,” said Khali Sweeney, Founder and CEO of Downtown Boxing Gym in Detroit. “Since 2007, 100% of our DBG students have completed secondary school. It’s not something that’s just “nice to have”. After-school 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 after-school programs that strive to provide young people with opportunities to learn, connect, and grow,” said Erin Skene-Pratt, executive director of the Michigan AfterSchool Partnership. “Unfortunately, there are not enough places available to serve all the children who wish to take advantage of after-school and summer learning opportunities. For every kid in a quality program like Downtown Boxing Gym’s, there are four more waiting to be admitted. This is why greater investment is so important in this year’s state budget.
Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist visited the Downtown Boxing Gym (DBG) on Detroit’s east side, which offers a free after-school program Monday through Friday year-round. More than 200 students, aged 8 to 18, take part. DBG offers continuous support to its graduates up to the age of 25.
Governor Whitmer’s investments in education
For three straight years, Governor Whitmer has worked across the aisle to make the biggest investments in education in Michigan’s history, without raising taxes. Since taking office, she has tripled the number of literacy coaches and last year signed an education budget that closed the funding gap between schools, increased investment per student to an all-time high and helped districts hire hundreds of mental health workers on campus. health professionals.
Governor’s education budget proposal for this year includes highest investment per student on record, $1 billion for school construction and renovation, funds to hire and retain 15,000 teachers and more resources for on-campus mental health support.
The educational achievements of the Whitmer-Gilchrist administration can be found at the following link here.
MI Kids back on track
Governor Whitmer’s MI Kids Back on Track plan would invest $280 million of Michigan’s $3 billion in incremental 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 US bailout specifically to deal with unfinished learning. MI Kids Back on Track would leverage this funding with state resources to strengthen tutoring programs. The plan will help schools conduct background checks on potential tutors and pay them.
Michiganders who wish to join the effort can register at the following link here.
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