MiLEAP Celebrates Impact of Nearly $618,000 Investment in Nature-Based Summer Program Serving More Than 1,100 West Michigan Students

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Section 32n Out-of-School Time grant helped Outdoor Discovery Center expand programming across 10 sites, support local families and workforce

SPRING LAKE, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) joined the Outdoor Discovery Center (ODC) Network to celebrate the impact of a nearly $618,000 investment in Out-of-School Time (OST) programming for students across West Michigan. The event, held during ODC’s “Best of Summer” celebration at Lake Hills Elementary, highlighted the success of its nature-based camps, which served more than 1,100 students ages 4 to16 this summer. The camps provided targeted academic instruction and immersive outdoor experiences to help students stay on track academically while school is out.

“We’re pleased to celebrate the success of the Outdoor Discovery Center’s summer youth program and the impact it’s had on students and families across West Michigan,” said Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, director of MiLEAP. “Investments like these are critical because they ensure children continue learning and growing even when school is out. Without access to these programs, too many students fall behind. MiLEAP is committed to supporting programs that help prevent that learning decline, while sparking curiosity, building confidence, and supporting students on their lifelong education journeys.” 

This year, ODC was awarded $617,920 in Section 32n OST Grant funding through MiLEAP’s FY25 grant cycle to provide before-school, after-school, and summer programming. The investment enabled the network to double its summer program reach, expanding from five to ten sites across Allegan, Ottawa and surrounding counties, while also supporting several programs during the academic year.

Research shows students without access to summer programming can lose up to two months of academic progress, particularly in math and reading, widening achievement gaps over time. ODC’s nature-based approach helps counter that loss through meaningful, hands-on learning that builds confidence, fosters deeper connections to both environment and education, and accelerates academic growth.

“Our summer camps give kids the chance to learn through adventure, with personal attention from experienced educators and all the fun that comes with ODC Network programming,” said Bob Wandel, Education Network director at ODC. “Thanks to this grant, we were able to expand access and reach even more students across West Michigan. These are investments that don’t just benefit children – they also help support families, and keep local educators employed. We’re proud to partner with MiLEAP and the many community foundations, schools, and donors who help make this work possible.”

This summer, the program employed more than 125 seasonal staff members, including college students studying early childhood education and furloughed school paraprofessionals. ODC anticipates serving more than 1,500 students and extending services to approximately 400 families during the 2025-26 school year.

“Children are able to perform better and do more once they’ve been grounded, and nature has a remarkable ability to do that, especially for those with unique sensory needs,” said Rachel Worthington, a Grand Haven Area Public Schools educator and summer tutor with ODC. “The growth we’ve seen from students throughout the Outdoor Discovery Center Network is incredible. One student who really struggles through the school year showed a 98% improvement across multiple literacy skills. That’s the power of blending direct support with the grounding nature of this camp. This is a great return on investment for kids.”

“Before my children came to ODC in 2019, I didn’t realize how much was happening beyond outdoor play, but I quickly came to understand the meaningful learning built into every activity,” said Chelsea Sturdivant, a Grand Haven Area Public Schools employee and ODC team member. “That experience opened the door for me to join the team. As a district employee, it’s not always easy to find work during the summer, but ODC gave me that opportunity. Now I get to see many of the same students I work with during the school year in a new light, knowing they’re growing, retaining and having this creative space to thrive.”

MiLEAP awarded up to $226,000 per site to organizations throughout the state during the FY25 grant cycle to support increased participation in Out-of-School Time programs. In total, $55.8 million was awarded to 169 organizations serving youth and families at nearly 700 program sites across the state.

“When we talk about the value of Out-of-School Time investments, this is what we mean,” said Rawlan Lillard II, deputy director of Education Partnerships at MiLEAP. “ODC is helping students gain new experiences and keep learning year-round, while also strengthening the local workforce and providing resources for families. These are the kinds of programs we’re proud to support and the kind of success we want to continue to see across Michigan.”

As summer programs wrap up, many organizations across Michigan are now awaiting decisions about future support. Governor Whitmer’s FY26 executive budget recommendation includes a $50 million reinvestment in Section 32n, which would help ensure OST programs have the resources needed to continue through the school year and next summer, supporting working families, and helping more Michigan students succeed in the classroom and beyond.

For more information about these initiatives and others, visit MiLEAP’s Education Partnerships webpage at Michigan.gov/MiLEAP/Education-Partnerships.