ELO Network

10/12/2026

Join the ELO Network for our Lights On Afterschool Pre-Bash! An evening celebrating youth creativity, talent, and opportunities beyond the school day!

📅 October 21, 2026 | 4:30–7:30 PM
📍 MLK Community Center | 900 Fuller Ave SE

🎤 Youth Talent Showcase
🎨 Interactive Activities
🤝 Community Partners & Resources

🌟 Calling all K–12 students! Want to showcase your talent? Email [email protected] for additional submission opportunities!

📲 RSVP today at the link or using the QR code on the flyer!
Registration Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdKmZdvc1j7dlJ6OFWHDPtXyzV8Il1c7jgIDmWaVASILPBJ3Q/viewform

09/25/2026

Check out this month's ELO Network Newsletter, and make sure to check out some of our upcoming events!

09/24/2026

🚨Grand Rapids students: this one is for you!

Website for Grand Rapids Public Schools

09/24/2026

Want to participate in the nationwide celebrations of Lights On Afterschool on October 22 by hosting an event in your community—but not sure how?

Our latest blog highlights examples from past years, as well as a database of ideas and other resources: https://bit.ly/4dLPic3

09/23/2026

💡 Join us on Wednesday, October 21, for the Lights On Afterschool Pre-Bash as we celebrate our youth and the programs that help them learn, grow, and thrive beyond the traditional school day!

We invite families, students, and community members to come out and celebrate with us.

🎨🎤 We’re also encouraging students in grades K–12 to participate in our Talent Showcase! Please use the registration form to RSVP. If your student would like to participate in the showcase, be sure to include their talent submission information on the form.

We can’t wait to see you there! ✨

09/19/2026

The Greater Grand Rapids Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. invites you, your students, and families to our 2026 College Preview Day! In partnership with the HBCU Club of Muskegon and the GRAAMA (Grand Rapids African American Museum and Archives), this year’s program will focus on exploring HBCU opportunities and preparing students for the college journey.
This free annual event is designed to help middle and high school students and their families explore college opportunities, with a special focus on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). This year’s program combines college preparation with opportunities to hear directly from college leaders, financial aid professionals, and current HBCU students.
Event Highlights:

🎓 Discover the HBCU Legacy – Participate in an interactive experience exploring the history, traditions, and impact of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
💰 Get College & Financial Aid Ready – Hear from a financial aid expert and gain practical information about preparing and paying for college.
🏛️ Connect with Talladega College – Hear directly from the President and Admissions team about admissions, scholarships, academics, campus life, and the HBCU experience.
💙 Hear a Student’s HBCU Journey – Hear firsthand from a current HBCU student about her transition from Michigan to an HBCU, campus involvement, college life, and advice for future students.
🚌 Explore the 2027 HBCU College Tour – Learn about the upcoming tour hosted by the HBCU Club of Muskegon and opportunities to visit HBCU campuses in person.

09/17/2026

As part of their mission to provide continuing education on the impact that Rosa Parks had on this nation, the Grand Rapids Community Relations Commission (CRC) and the Office of Equity and Engagement are once again hosting the Rosa Parks Essay Writing Contest.

Students in grades 9-12 who live in Grand Rapids or attend a school in Grand Rapids are encouraged to write an original essay which focuses and reflects this year’s prompt: “Quiet Courage to Digital Voices.”

Essay submissions are due Oct. 16 via [email protected] or must be postmarked by that date. The winning essays will be announced at 3 p.m. Dec. 4 at Grand Rapids City Hall, City Commission Chambers, 9th Floor, 300 Monroe NW, Grand Rapids. For more details visit https://bit.ly/4A5g3BI.

09/09/2026

🎉 Congratulations to Grand Rapids Fire Department Lieutenant Derrick Hartwell, winner of our Bring a Member Campaign at the Membership & Belonging Mixer!
Thank you, Derrick, for helping expand the ELO Network’s visibility and connect more community partners to our work.
Want the next chance to win a prize? Bring a potential ELO member to an upcoming event, professional development training, or meeting—you could be our next winner!

09/04/2026

Thanks to everyone who came out to ELO Network's Mocktails and Membership Mixer!🧉🍧😎

09/03/2026

Join the Park & Recreation Department for a day of discussion and generative sessions about trail connections and development related to the Southside Creekways project. Whether you come to a part or all, we’re excited to learn and dream together about the future of neighborhood connections around Plaster and Silver creeks!