Lack of motivation and enthusiasm for school is directly related to poor school performance and low graduation rates.
69% of Michigan students tell us that they are not fully motivated to learn.
They tell us:
In order to improve our schools, inspire our students to learn and achieve more, we have to understand what motivates them.
Education initiatives—no matter how well planned or executed—risk falling short of their goals without student buy-in and commitment to learning.
The Michigan Student Inspiration Project:
The Student Inspiration Project is the only one of its kind in Michigan.
It was designed on behalf of the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) to leverage private funds to inspire and motivate children in grades four through eight to commit to and more fully engage with their own education.
As a grassroots initiative, the Student Inspiration Project relies on the support of Foundations, Businesses, and individuals to support its programs and projects.
Donations to the Michigan Student Inspiration Project can be made via the Library of Michigan Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit, public charity governed by an independent Board of Directors. The Foundation provides opportunities for charitable giving to benefit, among other things, special programs and projects otherwise not provided through state or federal funding.
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The “Almost Worst Ideas” campaign was developed with the help of nearly 90 Michigan students who gave advice and program feedback in the spring and summer of 2014. The campaign was then tested via online survey among 220 Michigan 4th-8th graders in the fall of 2014.
It has a great message with humor.
7th Grade Girl, Redford
Kids should pay attention to this because they can share ideas no one else may think of.
6th Grade Boy, Caledonia
I'd like to come up with a funny worst idea!
Parent of a 5th Grade Boy, Battle Creek
I think this is a great idea for kids my son age and older most kids think it's cool to skip school.
Parent of a 4th Grade Boy, Flint
“Almost Worst Ideas” campaign launch in targeted media areas in Michigan. Any school can opt-in to be included.
Sponsor “student voice forums” to promote the voices of students in school improvement and achievement initiatives.
21 West Main Street, floor 5
Waterbury, CT 06702
To contribute on-line and make a tax-deductible contribution to the Library of Michigan Foundation, click the button below:
MAKE A CONTRIBUTION
Custom presentations and webinars for your colleagues can be arranged by contacting Kristen at KRISTEN.HARMELING@YOUGOV.COM. Monetary and in-kind donations are gladly accepted, sponsorship opportunities are available.
Research on why students are disengaged from school and what can be done about it was conducted with close to 3,000 Michigan students and parents, 1,000 Michigan teachers, 325 principals and 50 superintendents.
The findings from this research resulted in the development of the Michigan Student Inspiration Project and programs for improving the educational experience and achievement of Michigan students in grades 4 through 8. Click here to download the project’s foundation document.
The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) Office of Educational Improvement and Innovation, Michigan State University (MSU) Department of K-12 Outreach, YouGov, a global research and consulting firm, and Leo Burnett, the advertising company, as well as other key stakeholders, make up the project team for the Michigan Student Inspiration Project.
With the initial research phase now complete, the Michigan Student Inspiration Project is ready to launch its first program, “Almost Worst Ideas”.
Designed by Leo Burnett, from their Troy, Michigan offices, “Almost Worst Ideas” is a messaging campaign that puts kids in the spotlight as creators and participants.
Using the staples of adolescent vocabulary, humor and exaggeration, ”Almost Worst Ideas” features kids reinforcing the message that there is nothing worse than not giving your full commitment to school.