MASP in the News
Explore news coverage featuring the Michigan Afterschool Partnership and our work with communities to expand access to quality before-school, afterschool, and summer learning programs.
2026
Why thousands of Kent County students are excluded from afterschool STEM learning
WGVU News | September 29, 2026 | Related coverage
STEM learning is offered in many Kent County afterschool programs, but access remains uneven. Dr. Keli Christopher of STEM Greenhouse discusses how cost, transportation, and program location can keep young people from participating—and why these learning opportunities matter.
Connecting more young people with afterschool STEM learning
WDIV / ClickOnDetroit | September 14, 2026
MASP’s Stephanie Van Koevering joined local program leaders to discuss hands-on science, technology, engineering, and math opportunities—and the barriers keeping more Michigan young people from participating.
Read the story and watch the segment →
The challenge of affording summer learning
The Michigan Independent | July 29, 2026
A Grand Blanc parent shared how rising household costs put summer camps out of reach. The story included comments from MASP Executive Director Erin Skene-Pratt about the need for accessible summer opportunities that keep young people learning and engaged.
Families want afterschool programs. Access remains a barrier.
Michigan Public | April 13, 2026
Reporting on findings from America After 3PM, Michigan Public cited MASP data showing the gap between family demand and available afterschool opportunities. The coverage examined affordability, availability, and other barriers facing Southeast Michigan families.
2025
When the school day ends, families need dependable options
BridgeDetroit / Bridge Michigan | December 5, 2025
Families described the challenges of finding affordable, nearby afterschool care. MASP’s Stephanie Van Koevering discussed how public investment has helped programs start and expand, even as many families continue to face limited options.
State investment supports afterschool and summer opportunities
The Center Square, republished by The Black Chronicle | October 21, 2025
Coverage of Michigan’s $75 million investment in out-of-school-time programming featured MASP’s Stephanie Van Koevering. She discussed unmet demand and the importance of accessible programs for young people, working families, and employers.
Budget uncertainty raises concerns for Michigan programs
Bridge Michigan, republished by Chalkbeat Detroit | September 25, 2025
As Michigan’s budget deadline approached, this report examined potential effects on schools and afterschool services. MASP Executive Director Erin Skene-Pratt shared how funding uncertainty was affecting providers’ ability to plan and serve young people.
West Michigan programs call for sustained support
WGVU News | September 25, 2025
MASP Executive Director Erin Skene-Pratt discussed the potential effects of proposed funding cuts on afterschool programs in Muskegon and Newaygo counties. The report highlighted the role these programs play in learning, school attendance, and providing safe places for young people.
Protecting opportunities for teens to explore future careers
Michigan Public | August 4, 2025
A federal funding freeze threatened summer career exploration through Wayne State University’s C2 Pipeline program. MASP Executive Director Erin Skene-Pratt discussed bipartisan calls to release the funding, while students shared their experiences exploring science and law.
Federal funding delays put summer and afterschool services at risk
Michigan Public | July 7, 2025
MASP Executive Director Erin Skene-Pratt explained how an unexpected federal funding hold left Michigan providers scrambling to keep programs operating. She emphasized the academic support and dependable care these programs provide for young people and families.
Youth and program leaders bring afterschool stories to the Capitol
WILX News 10 | April 29, 2025
Young people and program leaders gathered in Lansing to share the impact of afterschool experiences and call for expanded access. MASP Executive Director Erin Skene-Pratt discussed unmet demand and the importance of enriching opportunities that also support working families.
Addressing afterschool gaps in Northern Michigan
UpNorthLive / WPBN-WGTU | April 2, 2025
MASP’s Meg Blinkiewicz joined Northern Michigan educators and program leaders to discuss communities where demand exceeds available afterschool opportunities. The story explored transportation, staffing, and funding challenges—and local efforts to expand access.
Articles reflect information available at the time of publication. Links lead to external news websites.