The Marygrove Early Childhood Project Collaborative stands as a testament to the power of community-driven educational reform. Situated on the historic Marygrove College campus in Detroit, Michigan, this initiative aims to provide a seamless educational experience from prenatal care through to college and career—a model often referred to as “cradle-to-career.” This ambitious vision is realized through the concerted efforts of numerous partners, each contributing unique resources, expertise, and services to support the development and well-being of children and families in the surrounding community.
1. Starfish Family Services
Starfish Family Services serves as the operational backbone of the Marygrove Early Education Center (EEC). As a nonprofit human services agency, Starfish brings extensive experience in early childhood education, mental health services, and family support. Their role encompasses the day-to-day management of the EEC, ensuring that children receive high-quality care and education in a nurturing environment.
2. Marygrove Conservancy
The Marygrove Conservancy is responsible for managing the campus operations and stewarding the site as a resource for high-quality educational uses in the community. Their efforts include overseeing facility maintenance, coordinating with partner organizations, and ensuring that the campus remains a vibrant hub for learning and community engagement.
3. Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD)
DPSCD plays a pivotal role in the Marygrove collaborative by operating The School at Marygrove, a public school offering grades K-2 and high school education. This integration of K-12 education within the Marygrove campus creates a continuous learning pathway for students, aligning with the cradle-to-career model.
4. University of Michigan School of Education
The University of Michigan School of Education contributes to the collaborative by hosting a new Teaching Residency program. This program provides aspiring educators with hands-on experience in a real-world classroom setting, preparing them to teach in urban environments and equipping them with the skills necessary to support diverse learners.
5. IFF (formerly known as LISC Chicago)
IFF serves as the project developer for the Marygrove Early Education Center. Their role involves coordinating the design and construction of the facility, ensuring that it meets the needs of the community and adheres to best practices in early childhood education facility design.
6. The Kresge Foundation
The Kresge Foundation has been instrumental in funding the Marygrove Early Childhood Project Collaborative. Their nearly $100 million investment has supported the transformation of the Marygrove College campus into a cradle-to-career educational hub. The foundation’s commitment underscores their dedication to fostering educational equity and community development.
7. Barton Malow
Barton Malow is a construction management firm that played a key role in building the Marygrove Early Education Center. Their expertise in large-scale construction projects ensured that the facility was completed on time and within budget, providing a state-of-the-art environment for early childhood education.
8. Hope Starts Here Detroit
Hope Starts Here Detroit is a citywide initiative aimed at improving early childhood outcomes across Detroit. By aligning with the Marygrove collaborative, Hope Starts Here contributes to the development and implementation of citywide strategies that support early learning and family engagement.
9. Development Centers, Inc.
Development Centers, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that provides mental health and social services to individuals and families. Their involvement in the Marygrove collaborative ensures that children and families have access to comprehensive support services, addressing the social and emotional needs that impact learning and development.
10. Cinnaire
Cinnaire is a community development financial institution that provided financing for the construction of the Marygrove Early Education Center. Their investment highlights the importance of affordable and accessible financing in the development of community-focused educational facilities.
Conclusion
The Marygrove Early Childhood Project Collaborative exemplifies the impact of collective action in addressing educational disparities. Through the concerted efforts of these partners, the initiative provides a comprehensive support system for children and families, fostering an environment where learning and development can flourish. As the collaborative continues to evolve, it serves as a model for other communities seeking to implement cradle-to-career educational pathways.