Midland Area Community Foundation awards $25,000 grant to support Sustainability Teacher Fellowship in Midland County
The fellowship aims to support teachers in engaging K–12 students in hands-on projects that address local sustainability challenges.
The Sustainability Teacher Fellowship program—a program of the Marsal School’s Center for Education Design, Evaluation, and Research (CEDER)—has been awarded a $25,000 grant from the Midland Area Community Foundation to launch its project, “Promoting Midland Futures through Student Place & Project-based Education,” during the 2026-27 school year.
Building on eight years of success, the Sustainability Teacher Fellowship will support Midland County educators in 2026–27, engaging K–12 students in hands-on projects that address local sustainability challenges. Participating teachers will receive professional development, classroom mini-grants, stipends, and ongoing mentorship, connecting their classrooms with community and workforce partners. The resulting learning plans will link classroom content to real-world experiences, helping to develop talent and enrich the Midland community.
A Teacher Fellow from the 2024 cohort of fellows said, “You will love the excitement your students have for their learning when it is something they care about. The learning they will do is like nothing you’ll do with traditional teaching.”
The grant was awarded under the Midland Area Community Foundation’s Focus Areas, which include developing our talent and enhancing our community. The foundation exists to cultivate the power of giving within our community, support long-term transformation, and help ensure all residents thrive.
“We are grateful for the Midland Area Community Foundation’s support, which will allow us to expand sustainability education and student action projects throughout Midland County,” says Emily Gochis, Program Manager of the Sustainability Teacher Fellowship. “This investment will help teachers and students address real-world challenges, build leadership skills, and contribute to a healthier, more resilient community.”
The Sustainability Teacher Fellowship is a program of the University of Michigan’s Marsal Family School of Education Center for Education Design, Evaluation, and Research, with support from local partners and funders.