The SEMIS Coalition Blog
The place to connect, learn and share perspectives in place-based learning
Welcome to our SEMIS Coalition blog! A commons-based digital space for shared resources, images, and more. It’s a place for you to ask questions, interact with peers, and keep current with the latest Southeast Michigan Stewardship Coalition activities.
Browse through the most recent posts below, or browse past posts by category via the toolbar on the right.
Where Grit Meets Freedom: Building Futures by Design with Sam Boyd-Scardefield
Sam Boyd-Scardefield Tucked between the historic Detroit neighborhoods of Poletown and Black Bottom, something powerful is growing—both literally and metaphorically. It’s more than urban gardening. More than architecture. It’s a vision: one where land, community,...
Director’s Corner June 2025
“Climate Justice and Tree Equity”, “Sustainable World Conflict Resolution”, “A Place in Time - From Glaciers to an Outdoor Kindergarten” - these are just a few of the 50 youth-led presentation titles from this year’s SEMIS Coalition Annual Community Forum. On May...
Mentorship in Motion: How Frederick Douglass Academy is Cultivating Detroit’s Future Leaders
Marquise McNeil, Adian Little, David Lockhart, Devin Smith, At Frederick Douglass Academy for Young Men (FDA), leadership starts from within—and the Youth Ambassadors program is one of the school’s most powerful incubators of growth, mentorship, and...
Director’s Corner May 2025
Dear SEMIS Coalition, During my first year as Director, I’ve found that I am always uncovering stories about the history of the SEMIS Coalition. Each new narrative I’ve stumbled across has been a thread just begging to be pulled on - stories about the people who have...
STEAM Week Student Showcase + The MiSTEM Region 2 Educator of the Year Recognition Banquet
Student Showcase The Student Showcase during STEAM Week was fantastic! It was easy to see the passions shine through students’ understanding of the academics. Topics ranged from architecture to shelter designs for emergencies. One student started a garden club, seeds...
Director’s Corner February 2025
Dear SEMIS Coalition, At the close of our Winter Professional Development day in late January, the 50 teachers, principals, community partners, and SEMIS Coalition team members in attendance gathered in a circle to share a one-word reflection on what feeling we were...
2025 Winter Professional Learning Reflections
Everyone is an educator; everyone is a learner. We respect the dignity, professionalism, and creativity of educators, both formal and informal, and approach interactions with love, grace, flexibility, humor, and fun. (SEMIS Coalition Principle 7)At our Winter...
The Heart of the Brightmoor Makerspace Pt 1: Youth, Music and Movement
Bri Antwon Wilson (bottom photo), a senior, and Seligmin Foster (top photo), a 2023 graduate who has remained deeply involved as an alumnus. Detroit Community Schools (DCS) is more than an institution to me—it’s a cornerstone of my identity and growth. My enduring...
Director’s Corner January 2025
Dear SEMIS Coalition, Though I’m certain I’m not the first, let me be among the many to welcome you into this new year and this new quarter century! If you are like me, you may be taking time to reflect on your intentions for this upcoming year. And, if you are like...
Director’s Corner December 2024
Dear SEMIS Coalition, As we approach the end of another calendar year, I’d like to take a moment to share my gratitude for all this year - and especially this community - have brought to place-based learning in our region. First, my gratitude goes to the teachers in...