05/29/2026
Last month, KConnect, along with the Advancing Change cohort, advocated for priorities that advance policy change for healthier communities. Through a partnership with the Detroit Community-Academic Urban Research Center - Detroit URC — and supported by grant funding from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund — KConnect has joined four other communities across the state to receive technical assistance in building stronger advocacy efforts.
Throughout the day, Dr. Shayla Young, Maegan Frierson, Dr. Chasity Bailey Fakhoury, Dr. Chris Cadogan, and Shanequa Mosley met with legislators to champion stronger support for Out-of-School Time (OST) programs. In their advocacy, they shared stories and data, and posed the nostalgic question: "What has your experience been with out-of-school time programs?"
OST programs create opportunities for learning, growth, and connection, while also strengthening our economy. However, more than 750,000 students across Michigan still lack access to these critical programs. While our state has made meaningful progress in funding, continued advocacy is necessary to protect and expand these investments so every family can benefit.
That’s why our team shared a vision for what our communities could achieve with increased OST funding and why this work must continue beyond Advocacy Day.
In partnership with the ELO Network, KConnect is now seeking perspectives from parents, students, and business leaders on the impact of OST programs.
If you’d like to share your story, learn more, or sign a letter of support, visit our landing page: https://hubs.la/Q04jpVzQ0.
