In our world, potential is equally distributed. Opportunity and access are not.
As a result, vast human potential is lost, beginning in childhood from ages zero to four. The only thing worse than this is when we don’t act to change it.
We believe that to do this we must increase opportunity for learning at the most critical period of human development. This means providing parents and caregivers access to the tools and methods that will ensure a strong foundational education for children of ages 0-4, and to the resources necessary to empower well being in the home.
The stresses of poverty, social injustice, and emotional challenges present barriers to the bright future that every child needs and deserves. Washtenaw Promise works with children, young families, schools and the community, to remove those barriers.
Every child should have the chance to live their dreams . . .
What are we doing about it?
Learn more below about the programs we’ve started and how you can get involved.
Placing Volunteer Mentors; “Big Friends” in Preschools
In collaboration with public and private preschools, and other non-profits and advisors, we have built a unique preschool mentoring team of community volunteers who offer weekly support to children in need. Our trained mentors provide social and emotional support for children ages 3 and 4, and help connect their families with resources necessary to build a healthy foundation for lifelong learning. Join us as a volunteer! We welcome your participation in this program.
A Classroom Without Walls; New Opportunities for Students and Teachers
Our recent acquisition of a unique, 120 acre wilderness parcel on Bruin Lake in Washtenaw County, formerly a boy scout camp, has presented Washtenaw Promise with what can fairly be called a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. We are incredibly excited to meet the challenge of developing this resource as an exceptional education center for teachers, parents and children, particularly the very young children served by our mission.
Supporting New Opportunities for STEM Education
We believe that more opportunity for science, technology, art, engineering and mathematics (STEAM) education for our students, beginning in preschool, is critical for the future of our children. In partnership with Ypsilanti Community Schools, Washtenaw Intermediate School District (WISD), and others, we provide funding, volunteers and other supports.
Helping to Develop Early Literacy
Literacy; the ability to read, write, speak and listen in ways that let us communicate effectively and make sense of the world, is critical for every child’s success in school and in life. Washtenaw Promise helps kids increase their skills in all these areas when it is most important- before they enter school in Kindergarten.
Encouraging a Love for Reading
The pandemic has reinforced what we already knew; that kids don’t need more “screen time”, but the right kind of videos can be a great supplement for learning. We produce videos that inspire a love of books and reading and also offer teachers mini-lessons that can be used effectively in the classroom to increase interest in science, art, nutrition and many other topics.