B.

Side
About

Facts

The Business Side of Youth (The B. Side) is a community outreach program housed

12

campus collaborations

20

community collaborations

29

schools outreached & visited since the programs inception

48

EMU students, staff & faculty involved in The B. Side

in the Office of Academic Service-Learning. Launched seven years ago its mission
is to foster a culture of entrepreneurship for area youth through business education
and social enterprise. EMU college students serve as program guides and mentors
receiving academic credit and professional experience in entrepreneurship, technology,
art management and community education. The B. Side trains teachers and youth in
entrepreneurship curriculum, and operates two social enterprises: Digital Inclusion (DI)
and Art Around Town (AAT). All of The B. Side programs target youth ages 13-20, and
strive to support low-income communities through the enhancement of business and
technological educational development.

Testimonials
The B. Side helped me find direction in life through my current plan and allowed me to
see that music was not a business I actually wanted to be a part of. It also allowed me
to interact with people from different backgrounds and cultures who I would never have
been able to meet otherwise.
-B.Side participant & EMU undergraduate

685+

youth engaged since inception

63 = 500+

hours of service of volunteers/mentors recruited

$647,835

of grants, contracts & revenue dollars generated

Programs
The Business Side of Youth
The B. Side was founded to establish a youth-driven entrepreneurial and leadership
culture that provides economic opportunities for Ypsilanti and Washtenaw County area
youth. The B. Side stimulates business and professional skills, encourage creative and
intelligent risk taking, and instills financial independence and community responsibility
in youth ages 13-20. Over the years The B. Side has been a part of multiple
collaborations, both on campus and off, and has provided consulting work that has
expanded the age of youth served to 25 based on the programming being provided.

Digital Inclusion
Digital Inclusion (DI) is a refurbished computer equipment retailer and technical training
social enterprise. Youth that go through the DI training program receive 40 to 48 hours
of computer hardware and software training depending on their program track. More
than 90% of the youth that go through the DI program are from low-income households
or are designated as at risk youth. By providing training to this demographic DI strives
to reduce the digital divide (the technology gap) in low-income areas of Washtenaw
County by placing skilled youth back into the community. This provides an opportunity
for residents to receive no cost to low cost technical support, and for the youth to
potentially generate their own income as budding entrepreneurs.

Art Around Town

Art Around Town (AAT) is a social enterprise that provides art supplies to local schools
for students to produce works of art. These works are then sold through exhibitions
and auctions, with the proceeds being used to benefit the individual artist, continued
supplies for teachers, and to support the future efforts of AAT.

Contact Information

B.Side
203 Boone Hall, Ypsilanti, MI 48197
734.487.6570
www.bsideofyouth.com

Digital Inclusion
105 Sill Hall, Ypsilanti, MI 48197
734.487.8070
www.direcycle.com

Art Around Town

203 Boone Hall, Ypsilanti, MI 48197
734.487.6570
www.artaroundtown.us
More info visit www.emich.edu/engage

Bright Futures
About

Facts

EMU Bright Futures launched in 2007 is an afterschool and summer program serving

10

Faculty involved in collaboration

80

Volunteers a Year including Academic Service-Learning Students

students in Ypsilanti Community Schools, Romulus Community Schools, and Wayne

Westland Community Schools at the elementary, middle and high school levels. The
focus of Bright Futures is to improve academic achievement, develop self-efficacy, and
prepare elementary, middle, and high school students to transition to the next level of
schooling.
The program currently has 20 sites serving 916 students, and activities focus on

115

Full and part-time staff members

developing students ability to persist in their efforts to achieve their academic and
personal goals.

What students say about Bright Futures:

1

89%
3

89%

93%

90%

Testimonial

97%

91%

1 I get to do things I like to do.

2 I have opportunities to be a leader.

Because of this program, my child thinks that doing well in school is important for

3 I get to choose my activities.

having a successful career.

4 Its ok to make mistakes as long as youre learning.

- Bright Futures parent

5 I have fun when Im at the program.

6 Staff care about me.

You have to be motivated to do well in school. I wasnt motivated before Bright

Futures, but now Im motivated. Im looking into college.

Programs

- Bright Futures student.

Ypsilanti Community Schools: Estabrook Elementary, Holmes Elementary, Erickson

Elementary, Adams STEM Academy, Ypsilanti Community Middle School, Washtenaw

Bright Futures helped me be responsible and be a good role model.

International Middle Academy, Ypsilanti Community High School, Ypsilanti New Tech

- Bright Futures student.

High School.

The staff are always involved with the children. Bright Futures also provides

Romulus Community Schools: Romulus Middle School, Romulus High School.

opportunities for the kids to see more than just their neighborhood through exposure
during field trips.

Wayne Westland Community School District Sites: Hoover Elementary, Adams

Upper Elementary, Adams Lower Elementary, Taft-Galloway Elementary, Hicks

- Bright Futures parent

Elementary, Franklin middle School, Stevenson Middle School, Marshall Upper

Elementary, Wayne Memorial High School, John Glenn High School.

Contact Information

Bright Futures
Eastern Michigan University
203 Boone Hall Ypsilanti, Michigan 48197
734.487.0372
www.emubrightfutures.org
More info visit www.emich.edu/engage

Athletics
About

Facts

Eastern Michigan University has been a member of the Mid-American Conference

22

cognitively and physically impaired children hosted by Football team at

Rynearson Stadium

40

40 people served supplies purchased by the EMU Wresting team at the

Ronald McDonald House in Ann Arbor.

since 1971 and has been among the leagues most successful members. EMUs
varsity intercollegiate program features 21 different sports, nine mens teams and 12
womens teams; the program employs more than 70 full-time staff and supports more
than 500 student-athletes. Additionally, Eastern Michigan has had a representative
at every summer Olympics since 1960. Student-athletes from each of the universitys
21 varsity programs take time out of their academic and athletic schedules to help
out around the Ypsilanti community. With emphasis on giving back to our local and
campus communities, the student-athletes collectively participated in approximately

$5,000

$5,000 raised by womens EMU Soccer team for the National

Ovarian Cancer Coalition when it recognized its match as
Cancer Awareness Day

The womens Swimming program made and donated blankets to children at Mott
Hospital.
The womens Basketball squad went to the Glacier Hills Retirement Home and
participated in EMUs Autism Collaborative Center Family Fun Night.

2,000 volunteer hours.

The womens Gymnastics team went out into the community conducting a Get
Off Your Glass outreach, during which they cleaned up school playgrounds
and parks, and spent time marking drains on campus to assist with storm water
management.

Programs
2nd & 7 Foundation
Engaged more than 200 student-athletes in the Tackling Illiteracy program, who
visited and donated 700 books to 24 second grade classrooms between six different
Ypsilanti elementary schools as a part of the program to tackle illiteracy.

Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (S.A.A.C.)

Hosted the annual student-athlete talent show Jock Jamz, and raised over $950 for
the Ypsilanti Community Schools. Students also spearheaded an effort to support the
Angel Tree Program with the local Salvation Army.

Testimonial
There is no greater lesson our student-athletes learn than the importance of giving
back to others. And there is no greater moment than watching the joy on a childs face
when they are impacted by our student-athletes.

EMU Victory Day

A day where youth received a complete game day experience. Children participate in
drills, offensive and defensive plays, and even have their name announced one-byone with their biography and picture flashing on the scoreboard. Each child received a
medal before posing for a group photo and wrapped up the day by singing the Eastern
Michigan University fight song.

- EMU Vice President and Director of Athletics Heather Lyke

Contact Information

Athletics
EMUEagles.com
734.487.1050

More info visit www.emich.edu/engage

Hamilton
Crossing

About

Eastern Michigan University in partnership with the Ypsilanti Housing Commission,

has developed a Family Empowerment Program (FEP) for the residents of Hamilton
Crossing; focused on increasing employment, education and health outcomes. Funded
by the Kresge Foundation, the program has worked with 70 families over the past
two years, and boasts over a 70% employment rate. The program also works to raise
residents educational level to build future career success.

Testimonial
The Family Empowerment Program had me set goals when I first moved in and

Facts
1

participant graduated from Washtenaw Community College

FEP participants passed their GED exams

FEP partticipants received BA degrees

13

FEP participants are currently enrolled in the educational programs

because of the summer program my son was at the day care center so I didnt have

20%

to find a baby sitter for him. It felt good because I knew that he was participating in

45%

70%

activities and that he was safe. So that allowed me to enroll in school and work at the
3

same time.
- Hamilton Crossing participant

67%

67%

1 Participants enrolled in educational programs

2 Reduction in police calls per unit since 2010
3 Participants whove seen a rise in earned income
4 Reduction in arrests per unit since 2010
5 Participants who are employed part or full time

Key Partners: The Hamilton Crossing Family Empowerment program is a

collaboration of Eastern Michigan University, the United Way of Washtenaw County,
Washtenaw County Office of Community and Economic Development, SOS
Community Services, IHN-Alpha House, Washtenaw Community College, the Ypsilanti
Housing Commission, and Chesapeake Community Advisors.

Programs
Programs Include: Individual Development matched savings accounts, Resource
Fund financial education program, University of Michigan Program for Multicultural
Health nutrition and healthy living series, Community Garden, Hope Clinic Dental Care
enrollment program.

The FEP provides the following assistance to its families:

Providing computers and wireless connections free of charge to participants.
Assisting residents in accessing job-seeking services, such as the Michigan Works
programming.
Access to scholarship program for high quality child-care.
Helping families locate and access needed medical, dental, and mental-health

Contact Information

Hamilton Crossing
Family Empowerment Project
596 S. Hamilton St., Ypsilanti,MI 48197
734.340.2411
www.hcfep.com

services, as well as provide support with health-insurance enrollment.

More info visit www.emich.edu/engage

Vision
About

Facts

The VISION Volunteer Centers student-led programs are comprised of direct service

11

students served 22 hours in Ypsi Lives: Sharing our Stories

54

hours completed at Student Parent Day by 12 students

74

students attended Alternative Breaks serving a total of 3036 hours

83

students from GREEN served 261 hours

as well as education and advocacy components. VISION aims to provide students

with the opportunity to engage with communities through holistic service opportunities,
mutually beneficial community partnerships, and immersion programs that coincide
with and enhance students academic and personal goals. VISION also aims to provide
community based and active citizenship education, while fostering an inclusive space
that helps students lead productive, socially conscious lives.

Testimonial
Since going to Haiti, I think about how lucky I am to have access to clean water,
electricity, and health care - basic human necessities. I have learned so much about
service, social justice, and even different cultures. Alternative Breaks is an amazing
program that all people should have an opportunity to go on.
- Student who participated in the in the International Immersion Program

I feel so much more informed about urban farming and the food crisis in Detroit. I

125

students served 2443 hours in the Pen Pals letter-writing program

214

students participated in the One Day Events serving 680 hours

240

service hours by 6 International Break students

553

students gave 8198 service hours in 2013 2014

1462

hours served by 28 students for America Reads

understand how important this movement is. I am excited and motivated to continue
doing my part. I am so thankful for organizations and opportunities such as these.
- Student who participated in the Detroit Alternative Weekend

Programs
Immersion Programs:
Alternative Spring Breaks
Detroit Alternative Weekends
International

Tutoring, Mentoring and Friendship Programs:

Best Buddies
Pen Pals
826michigan

Student Organizations:
GREEN - Gathering Resources to Educate about our Environment and Nature
Giving Garden - is a student organization that runs an on-site community garden

Contact Information

VISION Volunteer Center

346 EMU Student Center
734.487.1313
www.emich.edu/vision/
vision@emich.edu
More info visit www.emich.edu/engage

SEMIS
Coalition

About

The Southeast Michigan Stewardship Coalition (SEMIS) engages teachers from 18

schools and over 35 community partner organizations from diverse backgrounds
around a common agenda of helping students become citizen-stewards of their
local communities and the Great Lakes region. The program is young, but already
accomplished. In the first six years, it has provided close to 5,000 hours of professional
development support to teachers and involved close to 10,000 students in place-based
projects and SEMIS related stewardship experiences. A major focus of the Coalition
is to help educators and students analyze and address the root cultural causes of the
social and ecological crises we face, while addressing core content in and out of the
classroom. By focusing educational investigations on local issues that young people
can directly impact, students gain a deeper understanding of the interrelated social and
environmental problems their communities face while building their sense of agency
as civic actors in their communities. When students and teachers work with community
partners and other members of the Coalition, they begin to develop pride in their
communities and a realization that we are stronger together than when we act alone.
The SEMIS Coalition is the southeast Michigan hub of a statewide organization called

Facts
SEMIS Coalition community partners include::
Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative
Institute for the Study of Children, Families, & Communities
EMU College of Education
Detroit Youth Energy Squad
Matrix Theatre Company
The James and Grace Lee Boggs Center to Nurture Community
Leadership
Earth Force
Leslie Science and Nature Center
Huron River Watershed Council

the Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative (GLSI), a 10-year initiative funded primarily
by the Great Lakes Fisheries Trust. Dr. Greg Smith, an expert in community-based
education has called the GLSI the most ambitious effort of its kind in the country.

Testimonial
This is me, Im giving back to my community, helping out, bettering it. It changes how I
see community. We have to take charge of our community. Take care of and help little
ones grow up in our community. We can do it. They need to know that big changes
dont just start big- you can start small. Thats what we did. We can come together as a

Michigan Sea Grant

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)
Green Living Science
Nielsen Education Consulting
The Stewardship Network
Southwest Detroit Environmental Vision

community to make change.

- SEMIS Coalition student

Programs
Active schools in 2014-15: Ann Arbor Learning Community, Blossom
Preschool, Detroit Institute of Technology at Cody High School, Detroit Waldorf School,
Experiencia Preparatory Academy, Hope of Detroit Academy, Honey Creek Community
School, Jack Harvey Elementary, The James and Grace Lee Boggs School, John Paul
II Catholic School, King Elementary School, Neinas Elementary School, Novi Meadows
Elementary School.

Contact Information

Southeast Michigan Stewardship Coalition (SEMIS)

Eastern Michigan University
203 Boone Hall, Ypsilanti, Michigan 48197
734.709.8044
www.semiscoalition.org
www.facebook.com/semiscoalition
More info visit www.emich.edu/engage