Acorn2Oak

10/12/2026

Honoring Indigenous Peoples in Oakland County and Southeast Michigan

Today, Leadership Oakland recognizes Indigenous Peoples’ Day and honors the Native peoples whose histories, cultures, traditions, and contributions are an enduring part of our region.

As leaders and community members, it is important that we understand the history of the places we call home—including the Indigenous communities who have cared for and been connected to this land for generations.

We encourage our Leadership Oakland community to take time to learn more about the Indigenous peoples of Michigan, their rich cultures and traditions, and the many ways Native communities continue to contribute to our state and region today.

We honor the past, recognize the present, and commit to learning for a more informed and inclusive future.

09/15/2026

⏳ Application Deadline Is Here!

The current Acorn2Oak Youth Grant cycle closes today, September 15, 2026.

Oakland County youth ages 8-18 may qualify for grants of up to $1,000 to support projects in education, entrepreneurship, extracurricular activities, and community impact.

🔗 Apply today: Acorn2Oak Youth Grant Program https://www.leadershipoakland.com/acorn2oak-youth-grant-program/

09/14/2026

🚨 Last Chance to Apply!

Oakland County youth ages 8-18 can apply for an Acorn2Oak Youth Grant of up to $1,000 to bring their ideas to life.

Applications for this round close September 15, 2026.

Whether your project focuses on entrepreneurship, education, extracurricular activities, or community impact, we want to hear from you!

Apply today: Acorn2Oak Youth Grant Program https://www.leadershipoakland.com/acorn2oak-youth-grant-program/

Miss this deadline? The next application deadline is December 15, 2026.

09/11/2026

As the Jewish New Year begins, Leadership Oakland extends our warmest wishes to all who celebrate Rosh Hashanah.

May this season of reflection and renewal bring peace, joy, good health, and meaningful opportunities to grow, lead, and connect with others. As we look ahead to a new year, we are grateful for the diverse perspectives and experiences that strengthen our community.

Wishing you and your loved ones a sweet and prosperous New Year!

09/09/2026

Last Chance to Apply!

The deadline for the current round of Acorn2Oak Youth Grant applications is almost here!

If you're an Oakland County resident ages 8–18 with a project or idea that could make a difference, don't miss your opportunity to apply for a grant of up to $1,000.

Acorn2Oak supports youth-led projects in:
🌱 Business & Entrepreneurial Development
🤝 Community Impact
📚 Educational Achievement
🎯 Extracurricular Investment

📅 Applications for this round must be submitted by September 15, 2026. https://www.leadershipoakland.com/acorn2oak-youth-grant-program/

Miss this deadline? The next opportunity to apply won't be until December 15, 2026.

Don't put your ideas on hold—submit your application today and take the first step toward making your vision a reality!

08/13/2026

Your idea could make a difference—let Acorn2Oak help make it happen!

Do you know a young person with a passion for making an impact? The Acorn2Oak Youth Grant Program is accepting applications for its next round of youth grants!

Oakland County residents ages 8–18 can apply for grants of up to $1,000 to support projects that focus on:
✨ Business & Entrepreneurship
📚 Educational Achievement
🎨 Extracurricular Investment
🤝 Community Impact

Whether it's launching a small business, creating a community project, expanding a learning opportunity, or pursuing a meaningful passion, Acorn2Oak is here to help young leaders turn their ideas into action.

📅 Application Deadline: September 15, 2026

Don't miss this opportunity to invest in the next generation of changemakers. Apply today and help plant the seeds for tomorrow's leaders! https://www.leadershipoakland.com/acorn2oak-youth-grant-program/

08/11/2026

💙 From Struggle to Strength: Bringing Hope to Others 💙

When Hannah Conti was just 13 years old, she began what she describes as the hardest journey of her life: recovering from an eating disorder. Years of treatment, determination, and healing helped her rediscover her joy and reclaim her future. Today, at 17, she is transforming that experience into hope for others.

As an Acorn2Oak Youth Grant recipient, Hannah launched Hope-ing Hands, a project designed to bring comfort, courage, and support to patients receiving treatment for eating disorders at the University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children's Hospital and Corewell Health Royal Oak's pediatric ward.

Through Hope-ing Hands, Hannah assembled and delivered care kits filled with coping tools, grounding resources, and encouragement to help young patients navigate the challenges of recovery. Inspired by the coping strategies that helped her through treatment, Hannah hopes these kits remind patients that they are not alone and that healing is possible.

"Nobody deserves to fight alone," Hannah says. By turning her own experience into action, she is helping others find hope, peace, and the support they need on their recovery journey.

Thank you, Hannah, for your courage, compassion, and commitment to helping others heal.

To find out more about Acorn2Oak https://www.leadershipoakland.com/acorn2oak-youth-grant-program/

06/10/2026

Last Chance! Remember to apply for this round of Acorn2Oak Grants by June 15th. If you know of a young community-minded entrepreneur, ages 8-18, please see how Oakland County and Leadership Oakland can support them! Have them join the 2025 grant recipients as an Acorn2Oak participant!
https://www.leadershipoakland.com/acorn2oak-youth-grant-program/
Next application opportunity will be June, 16 - September 15, 2026.

05/21/2026

05/11/2026

What an inspiring evening celebrating the 2025 Acorn2Oak Grant Recipients!

Leadership Oakland, along with Oakland County, was proud to host the Acorn2Oak Reception, recognizing an incredible group of young entrepreneurs and innovators from across Oakland County. The evening featured product showcases, meaningful conversations, and a celebration of the creativity and determination these young leaders bring to their communities.

We were honored to have Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter address the group and share words of encouragement as we celebrated the impact of investing in youth-driven ideas and future leadership.

Acorn2Oak provides mini-grants of up to $1,000 to Oakland County residents ages 8–18, helping turn ideas into action across four key areas:
• Business and organizational development
• Community impact
• Educational achievement
• Extracurricular investment

Through this program, young people are transforming their creativity into real accomplishments while building confidence, skills, and community connection.

A special congratulations to the grant recipients who showcased their products and ventures during the reception:
• Kennedy Merckx & Jenna Bowman – Kandles and More
• Josephina Marx – Kandi Creations
• Gabrielle Marx – Woodworking Shop
• Leah May – Ether Sticks
• Shaelyn Simms – Juneteenth Coloring Book Printing
• Alexis Desmier Germany – Dear Desmier
• Matthew Elliott – 3D Printing Business

Thank you to everyone who joined us in supporting and celebrating the next generation of entrepreneurs, creators, and changemakers.