Growing Great Schools Fund | K12Outreach | Michigan State University

Growing Great Schools Fund

THE OPPORTUNITY

Quality Support Shouldn't Depend on a District's Budget

The Growing Great Schools Fund is a new initiative of Michigan State University's Office of K-12 Outreach, created to help more Michigan schools and districts access professional expertise and support. We're inviting corporate and philanthropic partners to help establish the fund and reduce financial barriers that can prevent schools from accessing these services.

Michigan schools are navigating complex challenges, from retaining experienced educators and supporting new teachers to meeting the diverse needs of students. Addressing these challenges requires more than filling vacancies. It requires ongoing investment in the people who lead schools and support student learning. Yet not every district has the resources to access the professional learning, mentoring, coaching, and other expertise that can help strengthen their schools.

Through the Growing Great Schools Fund, we aim to make these supports more accessible to Michigan schools and districts, regardless of their available resources.

8,000

Michigan Teachers Leaving

Nearly 8,000 Michigan public school teachers did not return for the 2024-25 school year.

31%

Higher Special Education Turnover

Michigan special education teachers are 31% more likely to leave their positions than elementary classroom teachers.

63%

Students Facing Greater Barriers

63% of students in Michigan's high-teacher-shortage districts are economically disadvantaged, compared with 51% statewide.

Source: Michigan State University, Education Policy Innovation Collaborative (EPIC), Michigan Teacher Shortage Study (2026).

These challenges reinforce the importance of supporting the educators and school leaders who work with Michigan students every day. Meaningful professional learning, mentoring, and leadership support can help schools strengthen instructional practices, build educator capacity, and create environments where both teachers and students can thrive.

INVEST IN MICHIGAN'S EDUCATORS

What Your Investment Can Make Possible

Contributions to the Growing Great Schools Fund will help expand access to K-12 Outreach services that may otherwise be beyond the reach of Michigan schools and districts.

By connecting schools with experienced educators, researchers, and education professionals, we aim to provide practical, research-informed support that responds to their unique challenges and priorities. Whether strengthening instructional practices, developing school leaders, or supporting teachers through mentoring and professional learning, these investments can help schools access the expertise, resources, and guidance needed to address their priorities and support student success.

As the fund grows, we envision supporting schools and districts across three key areas:

Leadership Advancement

Leadership coaching, mentoring, professional development, and board governance support.

Instructional Growth

Professional learning, instructional coaching, teacher induction, and mentoring.

Systems Change & Impact

Strategic planning, districtwide initiatives, data analysis, and program evaluation.

Four-step process showing how partners invest in the fund, MSU identifies school and district needs, K-12 Outreach provides support, and progress and outcomes are shared.

Help Grow Great Schools Across Michigan

Michigan schools and districts have different needs, priorities, and resources. Through the Growing Great Schools Fund, we hope to make it easier for more schools to access the experience and support of MSU's Office of K-12 Outreach.

Our team brings firsthand experience in classrooms, school buildings, and district leadership, along with research-informed approaches to education. Corporate and philanthropic contributions can help connect that expertise with schools that may not otherwise have the resources to access it.

We're looking for partners who want to help us build this opportunity for Michigan schools.

Students wearing backpacks enter a school beneath an outline of Michigan and the message, “Stronger Educators. Brighter Futures. A Stronger Michigan.”

BECOME A FOUNDING PARTNER

Help Us Build What's Possible

We're looking for corporate and philanthropic partners who share our interest in expanding access to educational support across Michigan.

As we establish the Growing Great Schools Fund, we'd welcome the opportunity to discuss how your organization might get involved, learn more about the initiative, and explore potential partnership opportunities.

Let's Talk About Partnering →

Are you a school or district interested in future opportunities through the fund? Contact our team to learn more as the initiative develops.

K12Outreach > Partner With Us >