EMU Bright Futures

Eastern Michigan University Bright Futures continues to offer a variety of options for our students at all program sites.  We have a mixture of virtual programming — both fun and enriching clubs as well as live academic support, activity kits being delivered to our students, and limited face-to-face programming based on the capacity of the school districts.  We are eager to continue to serve our students and families in these ways, and are excited about the new school year!

Welcome to Eastern Michigan University

Bright Futures 21st Century Community Learning Centers!

Program Overview

Bright Futures forges an alliance with three economically challenged suburban school districts and Eastern Michigan University’s Institute for the Study of Children, Families, and Communities in the office of Engage@EMU. The project serves students and families in 14 schools in the Wayne-Westland Community School District, eight sites in the Ypsilanti Community Schools, and three sites in Romulus Community Schools. Bright Futures is designed to address the needs expressed by the families and children served, community stakeholders, and school staff. Currently, the program focuses on math, reading, writing, health, and social-emotional growth.

Bright Futures programs meet after school for two and a half hours Monday through Thursday, 32 weeks during the school year, and 6 weeks in the summer. Students participate daily in homework help, targeted academic assistance, mentoring, and project-based learning and select from a rotating menu of clubs and activities. Clubs focus on student interests in science, the arts, technology, engineering, culinary, physical fitness, personal development, and specific skills to support Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and a successful transition from elementary to middle, from middle to high school, and to post-secondary programs (college, university, career technical programs, etc).

All elementary and middle school sites are licensed by the State of Michigan to provide child care. In addition, our high school programs follow the same protocol, which includes a comprehensive background check for all site employees.

EMU Bright Futures

203 Boone Hall Ypsilanti MI 48197
734-487-0372
sstaley[at]emich.edu

These materials were developed under a grant awarded by the Michigan Department of Education.
The 2022-2023 local evaluation report is available.  If interested, please contact

Project Director Suzie Staley.