The Flint Center for Educational Excellence

09/05/2026

We're hiring! Thrive Sports is hiring coaches! We are looking for people with coaching experience who want to help Flint Kids thrive. Coaches are need for flag football, basketball, track and field, and soccer. These are paid positions. Qualified candidates should be passionate about working �with youth at a variety of elementary school grade levels and be available to work M-TH from 2:15 - 7PM plus Saturday games and events. Interested? Email [email protected]

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09/03/2026

The future of STEMletics is all about making hands-on STEM learning more accessible. In the latest episode of THRIVEcast, Jonathan Blanchard shares what’s next for STEMletics - including developing a curriculum that makes the program easier for teachers to bring into their classrooms and creating online courses that can reach even more students.

By connecting STEM to sports, STEMletics is creating new ways for students to learn, explore and see the science behind the activities they already love. Listen at https://loom.ly/HskFTQM Enjoy more THRIVEcast podcast episodes at theflintcenter.org/thrivecast.

09/03/2026

Thrive Sports does more than just teach the game! It is a high-quality, year-round sports program for elementary school boys and girls to build skills, confidence, and character through a variety of sports. Starting this fall - Flag Football! Boys and girls teams will learn the basics and compete in the Thrive Sports League.

Thrive Sports – where sports are the platform, relationships are the strategy, and youth empowerment is the outcome.

Enroll in Thrive Sports today! It's time to PLAY, WIN, REPEAT! Visit https://loom.ly/gD-6ZXo

Sports What if every game didn’t just change the scoreboard—but changed a child’s life? Thrive Sports isn’t “just” a sports league. It’s a powerful youth development engine that turns the energy of athletics into confidence, leadership, belonging, and real-life skills that last far bey...

09/02/2026

We are SO excited! The Mott Foundation has launched the second round of the Youth Choice Awards. Our Thrive On and Thrive Up scholars received a number of Youth Choice Awards last year for some really cool student-led projects! We can't wait to see what our kiddos come up with this year!

Applications are now open, and the deadline to apply is Oct. 9. The nonprofits and schools that received grants in the first round are still eligible to apply. More information is available at mott.org/youth-choice-awards.

09/01/2026

Back to school was a lot more fun for students at Doyle-Ryder Community Education Center and Potter Elementary School this week because students returned to find new playgrounds thanks to funding from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation!

The two Flint Community Schools playgrounds were officially opened on Aug. 26 with ribbon cutting ceremonies, music, food and a whole lot of fun!

The Flint Center for Educational Excellence led the co-design process for the playground project that includes five FCS school sites. Input from parents, students, residents, and educators about what kids need for their schools and neighborhoods to thrive, created a shared vision and fostered a sense of shared ownership.

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09/01/2026

Some of the most powerful lessons happen after the bell has rung. Thrive Afterschool programs open the door to hands-on learning experiences that reignite curiosity and give kids a chance to explore everything from sports and arts to STEM and beyond, in a safe and nurturing environment.

Give your child the afterschool experience they truly deserve! Enroll now and turn afterschool into an opportunity for your child to grow, explore, and excel. Go to flintkidsthrive.org to register.

The Flint Center is building an educational ecosystem that ensures all Flint Kids thrive.

08/31/2026

In the latest episode of THRIVEcast, Jonathan Blanchard, founder of STEMletics, explains how he helps students discover the science that’s already happening in the sports they love, from the movement of a basketball to the forces behind athletic performance.

When students make that connection and suddenly see the “why” behind what they’re doing, learning takes on a whole new meaning.

Hear Jonathan talk about creating those lightbulb moments and helping students discover that STEM is all around them! Listen at https://loom.ly/HskFTQM Enjoy more THRIVEcast podcast episodes at theflintcenter.org/thrivecast.

08/31/2026

Thrive Sports does more than just teach the game! It is a high-quality, year-round sports program for elementary school boys and girls to build skills, confidence, and character through a variety of sports.

Thrive Sports – where sports are the platform, relationships are the strategy, and youth empowerment is the outcome.

Enroll in Thrive Sports today. Visit https://loom.ly/gD-6ZXo

08/26/2026

One of the most exciting parts of Jonathan Blanchard’s work with STEMletics is seeing the impact it can have beyond the program.

By making STEM learning engaging, hands-on and connected to something students already love - sports, Jonathan has seen students he’s worked with improve their grades and build greater confidence in their abilities.

On the latest episode of THRIVEcast, hear from the Flint native and STEMletics founder about how he’s helping students connect math, science and technology to the world around them through Thrive Up Afterschool.

Tune in to hear how engaging students in new ways can help them learn, grow and THRIVE! Listen at https://loom.ly/HskFTQM Enjoy more THRIVEcast podcast episodes at theflintcenter.org/thrivecast.