Non-traditional energy and a math problem that doesn’t add up

At A Glance is a bi-weekly news recap highlighting WKKF grantees, investments, communities and partnerships.

Consumers Energy infused excitement and a bit of non-traditional energy into the Battle Creek Small Business Loan fund. In June, we announced the loan fund for businesses in Battle Creek with the commitment to offer a $2 to $1 matching gift and in October Consumers Energy announced a $75,000 gift. We’re thrilled to see the support for this initiative grow as well as that commitment to the growth of our hometown.
 
For most of the 20th century, government agents systematically forced Native American children from their homes and placed them with white families. They were forced to assimilate into white society, depriving them of their culture and erasing their identities. Now, for the first time, they are being asked to share their stories. Dawnland is a feature documentary about cultural survival and stolen children that was broadcast on November 5 on PBS that we were proud to support. Find out more about this film and these stories today.
 
Mississippi received 700 applications for teacher certification in 2017, compared with 7,000 applications a decade earlier. You don’t have to be good at math to know that’s a problem. And the problem is mostly for those who don’t know yet how bad that is because they’ve not yet developed those math skills. And they deserve to learn those skills. At WKKF, we’re working to narrow gaps in high-poverty schools and in schools of color, as well as schools that lack a diverse teaching staff. Learn more about these efforts and how you can play a role!

Jobs and economic growth are happening in Grand Rapids! Grand Rapids Community College recently reported an uptick of 3,000 jobs and $294 million reinvested back into the community, with WKKF’s support, through the College’s noncredit workforce programs. This is more than double previous reported impact reports – way to go GRCC!