Michigan Nightlight

Weirdly wonderfulness: Life with the “Geek Disorder”

Life with Asperger Syndrome isn't simple an straightforward. It's a collection of colors and experiences, and each person with the Syndrome is unique. In this VOICES essay, sixth grader Nora Standish describes her experience with Asperger's, shattering every stereotype about the Syndrome and inviting you into her world.

Promise Zones and place-based scholarships are game changers for families in Grand Rapids

If Grand Rapids becomes a Promise Zone, it would change the game for funding college in the River City. Currently in the process of applying for the designation, the city of GR is prioritizing affordable college education for all.

My turnaround: A VOICES essay in overcoming challenges in learning

Que’Anna Jackson struggled to find her place in school, often preferring popularity over studying. But her siblings, as well as the Challenge Scholars Program, inspired her that she could do better. This is her story, from her perspective.

Helping to write beautiful stories: Leaders under 30 empower youth in Grand Rapids

Impassioned to guide first generation students toward a college degree; to provide quality mental health care to all people, regardless of their background; and to create intimate relationships free of violence, these leaders under 30 are making a difference for youth in GR.

Inside transracial adoption: Stories of adversity, acceptance, and intentional love

Transracial and international adoption can be as daunting as they are inspiring, and transracial and transcultural families face a unique set of challenges even after the children settle in at home. Michigan Nightlight explores three of these family's stories.

Passing it down: Leaders under 30 envision the future of youth in Grand Rapids

Leaders under 30 are making a big impact with youth in Grand Rapids. Check out of three of these inspirational leaders in the first of a two-part series.

Choosing to stay close to home: Five families commit to an underutilized neighborhood school

In 2016, MLive reported that 26 percent of Michigan students are enrolled outside of their home school district. Instead of opting for school of choice, this fall, five families in the Alger Heights/Garfield Park neighborhoods took a bold step: they organized and committed to sending their kindergarteners to their under-performing neighborhood school, Brookside Elementary.

Museum School fulfills purpose of original Grand Rapids Public Museum building

Dear to the hearts of area residents old enough to have spent time there, the former Grand Rapids Public Museum building at 54 Jefferson Ave. SE is awakening from a long sleep. Next fall, ninth-grade students from the Grand Rapids Public Museum School will claim it as their high school.

One potato, two potato: Grocery retail loan projects aim for food access for underserved areas

Two Grand Rapids projects just received funding from the Michigan Good Food Fund, a $30 million public-private loan fund that finances good food businesses that increase access to affordable, healthy food in Michigan’s underserved communities.

Baby-friendly Grand Rapids: A designation, a lifestyle, and a goal for the future with VIDEO

According to US News and World Report, young families are choosing Grand Rapids as the place to live: “Families make up a big chunk of the region's population. Nearly a third of Grand Rapids' households have children under the age of 18.” With organizations like the Grand Rapids Children's Museum and the John Ball Zoo geared toward little ones, and Spectrum Butterworth Hospital's baby-friendly designation, GR is increasingly becoming a great place to raise a family.

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